Think you finally got that sunscreen routine down? Check in with Becca Kantor to find out if you’ve got it right!
B
y now, we’re in the full heat of summer, and I have one question for you: Are you taking care of your skin? This is the time for reclining by the pool, but it’s also the time for aching, red sunburns. Here are the things you need to know to pick the right sunscreen, apply it correctly, and keep your skin healthy for the rest of the summer.
Go Broad or Go Home
Start smart by choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) light. UVA rays penetrate the skin much deeper than do UVB rays and are known to have long-term effects such as wrinkles and, potentially, skin cancer. UVB rays are dangerous too because they cause sunburns and may also contribute to skin cancer. Need there be more reason to choose broadspectrum? Also, it’s best to go with a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Wrinkles are highly aging, so why pay for those Botox injections when you can go the cheaper route of a great sunscreen?
The Earlier, the Better I usually don’t put sunscreen on until I go outside, but I’ve been doing it wrong for years. You should apply sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before you actually go outside so that your skin has time to absorb the sunscreen. How much sunscreen you use is just as important. Most experts say that people should use an ounce of sunscreen for themselves—about the size of a golf ball, or enough to fill up a shot glass. Another tip that most people don’t know about? Apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to your lips because skin cancer can form on the lips too.
Whenever, Wherever
Sunscreen is needed the most between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because that’s when the sun is at its most intense. Even if you’re not outside during those exact times, you should always put on sunscreen if you’re planning on being out of the house. And yes, that includes even when it’s cloudy outside—UV light can penetrate clouds. Some dermatologists even believe it should be called “day screen” and recommend
wearing sunscreen during all daylight hours because UV light can also filter in through your windows.
Reapply, Reapply, Reapply
Putting on sunscreen once a day won’t do you any good. Reapply sunscreen about every two hours. Definitely reapply if you’re swimming. Most people use water-resistant sunscreen but think that means the sunscreen is waterproof. It’s not. Waterresistant sunscreens only hold for about 40-80 minutes in the water. If you’ve been in the water for that long, make sure you dry off and reapply as soon as you can.
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