Slather (or spray) it on
Experts say you need about 1 ounce (a shot glass full) of sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 to safely protect your body. Apply generously 15 minutes before going in the sun and rub it in to catch any missed spots. If using spray, keep applying until your skin glistens. Do not inhale spray sunscreen and never spray it near your face or mouth. Instead, spray the sunscreen on your hands first and then apply it to your face.
Mineral or chemical? Mineral sunscreen can’t be absorbed by the skin but offers less sun protection. Chemical sunscreen is more protective but can be irritating. Clinicians recommend a mineral sunscreen with a zinc oxide concentration of 20% or higher.
Remember to reapply
It’s recommended that sunscreen be reapplied every two hours, especially if you’re in and out of the pool or being active and sweating. You may also need to reapply if you are inside near windows that allow light to come in. Keep a bottle of sunscreen handy though, because even a short stroll at lunch can put you at risk.
You can’t make it up with makeup
Even if makeup has a high SPF, it is not enough to protect your skin. You would need to apply much more makeup than you ordinarily use to reach the SPF on the label. Sunscreen is best applied after you wash your face and before you put on makeup. Take a breather between them so the SPF is effective.
Always say never
Dermatologists emphasize the “never” when referring to tanning beds. They give off intense UV radiation that can directly damage your DNA. And there is no such thing as a “base tan.” The increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which causes the color change in your skin, is a sign of damage. Contrary to popular belief, a “base tan” does not protect your skin from further damage.
Built-in protection
We now have ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing. Like an SPF rating for sunscreen, UPF indicates what fraction of the sun’s UV rays penetrates the fabric. Offering more protection than regular clothing means this clothing is made with heavier and darker fabrics, a tighter weave, synthetic and blended-composition fabrics and a loose fit, since fabrics that stretch against your skin create larger gaps in the fiber and let in more UV rays. You can find everything from shirts and pants to hats and jackets.
Take a siesta instead
Find something else to do in the late morning and afternoon rather than be in the sun. Almost half the daytime total of the more harmful UVB radiation is received between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Even on a cloudy day, you can be sunburned by UVB radiation. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand. These materials reflect the sun and can increase your chances of burning.
Hats, sunglasses, umbrellas
Dress like you care about your health, regardless of what’s in style. Wide-brimmed hats, UVA- and UVB-protective sunglasses and umbrellas will help you live a cancer-free life.
Make friends with a dermatologist
See your dermatologist once a year for a professional checkup and check your own skin daily or weekly between visits. Know the ABCDEs of skin cancer so you can learn to distinguish between a mole and melanoma.
Watch your medications
Some medications can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. They include some cholesterol medications, antibiotics, antifungals, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some birth control medications. Check with your clinician to be sure.
Be careful with babies
While babies’ skin can burn easily, sunscreen is not recommended for children under 6 months of age. Infants younger than 6 months old are not well equipped to regulate their temperature and hydration and can become sick in the sun. Because of this, LVHN experts say it’s best to limit the time babies are in direct sunlight. They say using sunscreen for areas that may gain exposure is OK only if necessary.
