No matter the weather or your skin tone, if you live in Southern California, applying sunscreen should be part of your daily routine.
Sunscreen or sunblock (we'll explain the difference later) helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. It's not only essential to slather up every day but also that you choose an effective product and apply it correctly.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Vicki Rapaport of Rapaport Dermatology in Beverly Hills, CA, breaks down everything you need to know about how to best protect your skin with sunscreen.
Let's begin with understanding how the sun affects your skin.
UVA and UVB rays are both types of ultraviolet rays from the sun that travel to the earth's surface. UVB rays don't penetrate as deeply as UVA rays. Still, they can cause sunburn and play a bigger role in causing skin cancer. UVA rays also contribute to the formation of skin cancer, but because they penetrate the deeper layers of your skin, they are also responsible for premature aging and wrinkling. UVA rays comprise 95% of the UV rays that reach the earth's surface.
SPF is a number that measures the time it would take you to sunburn if you were not wearing sunscreen versus the time it would take with sunscreen on. These numbers, however, are confusing. For example, an SPF of 30 is only a few percentage points more effective — not double — than a 15 SPF rating. Ratings over SPF ratings over 50 aren't meaningful. To keep it simple, choose a product with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Always choose a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen, which offers protection from both UVB and UVA rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are widely available, but not all sunscreens meet the FDA's broad-spectrum criteria, so be sure to check for those words on the label.
The SPF number does not vary between sunscreen and sunblock, but the way each works.
Sunscreen and sunblock are equally effective if you apply them correctly.
Most adults need about 1 ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to cover their bodies entirely. Fair-skinned people typically absorb more solar energy than dark-skinned people under the same conditions. Still, nobody should skimp. Rub the sunscreen thoroughly into all exposed skin.
Remember these frequently forgotten spots:
Get help to apply sunscreen to your back. And be sure to protect your lips with a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.
Reapply any sunscreen every two hours, regardless of its SPF rating.
"Water-resistant" means the sunscreen is formulated to perform well despite water or sweat. But no sunscreen lasts indefinitely when you're swimming or sweating. The FDA bans the use of "waterproof" or "sweatproof" on product labels.
They have a specific test, though, and you should find one of two ratings:
Remember too that toweling off your skin removes sunscreen. So always reapply sunscreen immediately after using a towel.
Most sunscreens have a three-year shelf life. The FDA requires those that expire sooner to print an expiration date on the label. If you can't find any dates, look at the sunscreen itself. If it's watery, smells foul, is a different color, or is chunky, it's likely expired.
Pro tip: Write the date you bought it on the bottle or tube.
For more information about protecting your skin this summer, an annual skin check, and for all of your skincare needs, book an appointment call Rapaport Dermatology today.
