It is essential to keep your skin protected and healthy. The warmer months can expose skin to potential damage, from sunburns to premature aging, and even skin cancer. At Quality Dermatology, we want to ensure we educate patients and their families how to enjoy the sun while maintaining skin’s health. As a dermatology specialist who owns her practice for many years, I agree with the following statistics: even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life (https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors).
Tip 1: Choose the right sunscreen. Sunscreen is a first line of defense against harmful UV rays. When selecting a sunscreen, look for the following:
* Broad-spectrum protection. This means it shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
* SPF 30 or higher: the higher the SPF, the more protection it offers. However, it’s essential to reapply sunscreen every two hours, regardless of SPF.
* Water resistant. This is crucial if you’re swimming, or sweating, as it helps the sunscreen stay on the skin longer.
Tip 2: Apply sunscreen correctly. Even the best sunscreen wouldn’t work if it’s not applied properly. Follow these guidelines:
* Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
* Use about 1 ounce (a shot glass full) to cover your entire body.
* Don’t forget often-missed spots like the ears, lips, neck, and feet. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.