Tips for Purchasing and Applying Sunscreen

Dermatologist Tips for Purchasing and Applying Sunscreen

“Skin is very sensitive to sunlight, and too much sun exposure accumulated over the years can have lasting consequences, such as premature skin aging, irreversible skin damage and skin cancer,” explains dermatologist Dr. Craig Eichler, fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and skin cancer/sun damage expert. “The most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma, is often the result of cumulative sun exposure, though we sometimes see cases in teenagers and young adults.”

The key to being sun-safe, says Dr. Eichler, is vigilant use of sunscreen whenever you will be outdoors, throughout the year. Here, he offers his tips for purchasing and applying sunscreen:

Purchasing Guidelines:
• Broad-Spectrum Ingredients: Not all sunscreen ingredients are created equal—some provide minimal protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, which can cause skin cancer and wrinkles. UVA is not considered in the sun-protection factor (SPF), which refers to protection against UVB radiation, a different wavelength that can also cause skin cancer, plus sunburn. Look for products with an effective broad-spectrum sun-blocking ingredient, such as Parsol®1789, which protects against both UVA and UBV rays.
• The ABCs of SPF: Look for sunscreens with a minimum of SPF 15. A sunscreen’s SPF represents the level of protection the product provides: SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays and SPF 30 blocks about 98%, explains Dr. Eichler. “For most people, an SPF 15 will be adequate for short and less intense sun exposures, but SPF 30 is recommended if you are going to be exposed to the sun for a long period of time or intense sunshine.”
• Waterproof vs. Water-resistant: Products labeled “waterproof” may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when swimming or sweating. “Water resistant” products may provide protection for only 40 minutes.
• No Excuses: Some people don’t use sunscreen because they don’t like the way it feels on their skin, so look for an application that is comfortable for you. “If cream sunscreens feel too heavy, try a gel or spray, such as PreSun® Gel, which has a light feel, or the PreSun® Spray, which is quick to apply and very light, making it great for kids and active adults,” says Dr. Eichler. “In addition to protecting skin from UVB rays, PreSun Sunscreen products are formulated to protect skin from UVA rays with Parsol® 1789, which is widely regarded as one of the most effective UVA blockers,” he adds.

Application Guidelines:
• Pre-apply: Pre-apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure so it has time to absorb into your skin. A new survey from PreSun® Sunscreen finds that less than 1/3 of adults pre-apply before going into the sun.
• Re-apply: Re-apply every 80 minutes and after swimming or sweating excessively.
• Layer Properly: If you’re going to be wearing insect repellent or makeup, apply sunscreen first so it is the bottom layer directly on the skin.
• Be Generous: About 1 ounce of sunscreen (a “palmful”) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult. “When it comes to sunscreen, don’t apply sparingly,” says Dr. Eichler.
• Don’t Use Old Sunscreen: Check the expiration dates on bottles of sunscreen you’ve had for a while. Exposure to extreme temperatures can shorten sunscreen’s shelf life, too, so it’s safest to buy a new bottle(s) every summer season.
• Apply Under Clothes: You may think wearing a t-shirt when swimming provides protection, but a wet t-shirt actually only has an SPF 4. Make sure to apply sunscreen even under clothes.

For more sunscreen tips, visit www.presun.com