Are you going
outside today? Then you should wear sunscreen.
Why? Because
sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are
present even on cloudy days. These rays not only can cause skin cancer, they
also can trigger wrinkles, skin sagging and age spots.
What
should you look for in a sunscreen?
The American
Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using a sunscreen that:
• Offers
broad-spectrum protection. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB
rays.
• Has an SPF—sun
protection factor—of 30 or higher.
• Is
water-resistant.
How
should you apply sunscreen?
Most people don't
apply the correct amount of sunscreen, according to the AAD.
You should put on
enough sunscreen to cover all of your skin not protected by clothing. Most
adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen—two tablespoons—to fully cover their
body.
In addition:
• Apply sunscreen
about 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• Be sure to
apply it to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the part-line at
the top of your head.
• Reapply about
every two hours. You should also reapply after swimming or sweating. Follow the
directions on the sunscreen bottle.
Does
the type of sunscreen matter?
Sunscreens come
in many forms, from sprays to sticks to lotions. The best type to use is the
one you'll apply over and over again.
Creams and
lotions are best for dry skin and the face, according to the AAD. Sticks are
good to use around the eyes.
Sprays are
convenient, especially for use on kids. But keep in mind that it can be hard to
know if all areas of the skin have been covered when you use a spray.
Sunscreens are
sometimes sold as a mix of sunscreen and insect repellent. The AAD recommends
against using these products. You want to use sunscreen generously and insect
repellent sparingly. So it's best to buy these products separately.
Schedule
an appointment with your Watson Clinic dermatologist for an annual skin
examination, and to address any areas of concern. Visit WatsonClinic.com/Dermatology for
locations and appointment numbers.