Sunshine season is officially here! And along with the warmth and golden glow come powerful UV rays.
This means SPF protection is an absolute must. We asked two medical experts to share their best advice when it comes to getting the right coverage and staying sun-safe.
Numbers Matter
Choose a product listed as SPF 30 or above. Anything less won't do much in terms of proper protection. In order to use the right amount of sunscreen, think about how much sunscreen would fill a shot glass. Apply that all over your body, concentrating more effort on any exposed skin without clothing over it.
Choose A Combination
According to Dr. Fran E. Cook-Bolden, M.D., multi-function formulations are best. Her pick: Trufora Day cream with SPF 30, which includes beneficial ingredients for the skin, such as antioxidants and anti-aging humectants. The doctor tells us that this versatile formula works on all skin types, without leaving the skin feeling clogged or oily.
Consistency Is Key
"Don't forget to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours for optimal protection [regardless of the label promise]," says Cook-Bolden. Avoiding the sun in the middle of the day – 10:00AM-3:00PM – is also important. In this time window, the sun is at its strongest, leading to photosensitivity — sunburn or poisoning.
Nevertheless, we still need the Vitamin D the sun provides for our bodies, which is why she advises "sun safety" at all times.
Pick The Right Formula
We also spoke with Dr. Debra Jaliman, M.D., dermatologist and author of Skin Rules, for her insight.
"Choose a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide," she says. Use skin type as a guide — opt for a gel or powder if it's oily; choose a moisturizing formula if your skin tends toward the dry side.
Accessorize Accordingly
Jaliman recommends wearing a hat with a 2-inch brim. This will give sensitive facial skin, earlobes and the scalp extra protection. Don't forget to shield the delicate skin around the eyes. The doctor suggests UV400 blocking sunglasses.
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