10 Sun Protection Rules To Live By, According To A Dermatologist
I just got back from a week on the Outer Banks and for the first time in my adult life, I didn’t get a sunburn at the beach. It’s a huge relief for me. I may have finally figured out how to use the right combination of sunscreen and clothing to protect my skin. After all, who wants to get a lecture from their dermatologist?
Sunburns can happen in as little as 10 minutes, according to dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. She spoke to Motherly about 10 rules of sun protection that many people tend to forget during the summer. Hey, we’re too busy having fun to worry about our skin, right? However, it’s absolutely worth spending a few extra minutes to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful rays. You can even get sunscreens for your dog!
Dr. Ava Shamban’s 10 Sun Protection Rules (Motherly)
- Consistency is the key – Dr. Shamban advises covering up and using sunscreen every day of the year, no matter what the weather looks like. That includes wearing a hat, protective clothing, and reapplying sunscreen every 60 to 90 minutes.
- Sun protection can also be found in food – The antioxidants found in dark berries and colorful veggies can provide extra support to repair sun damage and protect your skin. They work with your SPF.
- Don’t forget your scalp – Wear a hat or use a powdered brush-on sunscreen on your part. Don’t forget to protect your ears, eyelids, tops of feet, and between toes and fingers.
- When in doubt, throw it out – If you can’t read or find the expiration date on your sunscreen, go ahead and trash it. Dr. Shamban warns that using an expired product can leave you with reduced protection, so don’t take the chance.
- Be smart about storage – It may seem like a good idea to leave sunscreen in the car so you have it when you need it. Not so much. Heat will damage the product over time, leaving it less effective.
- Watch those windows – If you sit near a glass window in your home, office, or car, it may block UVB rays. However, harmful UVA rays can still get through. That’s why the skin expert recommends applying sunscreen every three hours if you’re inside by a window.
- SPF 30 or higher – Go with a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30, but there’s no need to go above SPF 50. Dr. Shamban says the difference in that upper limit is only miniscule.
- Broad-spectrum is best – Read labels carefully and look for a broad-based sunscreen that works against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Makeup with SPF isn’t enough – Lots of people wear moisturizer or makeup with sunscreen, thinking it’s enough protections from the sun. Dr. Shamban says it isn’t. She advises using light lotion formula under makeup to be safe.
- Not all sunscreens are waterproof – When you’re in the pool, at the beach, or playing sports, make sure you’re using a waterproof formula and reapplying often.
