Save Your Skin

When she was growing up, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Mislankar remembers being told to stay out of the sun, but recalls that sunscreen wasn’t a big part of the skin-saving conversation. But the product is essential in the battle against hyperpigmentation and anti-aging, the two requests she gets most often from South Asian patients.

Most importantly, the right sunscreen also protects from skin cancer and sunburn. While skin cancer is less prevalent in communities of color, when it is diagnosed, it can be more advanced and more difficult to treat, so it’s still important to protect your skin when spending time in the sun. Here are Dr. Mislankar’s tips for doing just that:

Go Broad. Look for the words “broad spectrum” on the label, which means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. “UVA, which makes up 95% of UV radiation, penetrates deep into the skin, and is responsible for aging,” explains Dr. Mislankar. “UVB radiation is responsible for sunburns and is carcinogenic, being responsible for the majority of skin cancers.”

Get SPF Smart. SPF only refers to the protection given from UVB radiation and the number refers to how long it takes to burn the skin. SFP 15 only blocks 93% of rays, while SPF 50 blocks nearly 98%. While most dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30, she advises SPF 50 for those worried about hyperpigmentation.

Re-Apply Often. Sunscreen’s protection wanes over time, so if you’re in the sun, you should re-apply every two hours if possible, says Dr. Mislanker. A shot glass-sized amount of product should cover the body, while a nickel-sized amount should be perfect for the face.

Test Them Out. Physical sunscreens, made from minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, provide excellent protection from the sun, but can leave a whitish hue on skin—though today’s formulations tend to be better. Chemical sunscreens on the other hand like oxybenzone can be effective and transparent, but can cause allergies in some. Dr. Mislanker suggests trying a few types to determine what suits you. “The best sunscreen for you is the one that you like and are most likely to use daily,” she says.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics