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GUIDELINES TO HELP KEEP YOUR SKIN SAFE BY VICKIE MCINTYRE
It’s clear that excessive exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin, yet general knowledge about sunscreens — how they work, how much to use, and what brands are safe — seems to be a bit hazy. Here are a few guidelines to increase your sunscreen know-how and help you make better decisions about protecting your skin. GETTING STARTED
For starters, peak exposure happens between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so apply sunscreen 15 minutes before venturing outside. Even on cloudy days, lather up to shield yourself from light reflected off water, snow, sand, or concrete. Always check your product’s expiration date and look for the “broad-spectrum” label, which guarantees protection against both UVA and UVB rays. For the beach or pool, use a “water-resistant” product, which lasts about 40 minutes, while “very water resistant” lasts for 80 minutes.
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WHAT DOES SPF MEAN?
SPF stands for sun protection factor and experts suggest an SPF between 30-50. Anything higher isn’t necessary. Carmen Traywick, MD, founding partner of May River Dermatology, says the most common mistake people make is failing to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, regardless of what SPF is used. Typical dosage is using at least 1 ounce (as much as a full shot glass) for your body and a nickel-sized amount for your face.
