Most people know that it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen if you plan to be in the sun for more than a few minutes. But where many people are confused is what kind?
If soaking up the sun is on your list of things to do this summer, protecting your skin should be too. Here are some basic but important tips from a Washington DC area dermatologist.
Most people know that it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen if you plan to be in the sun for more than a few minutes. But where many people are confused is what kind?
Dr. Adam Friedman, professor and chair of dermatology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, said if you venture outside, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher with broad spectrum protection is ideal. If you’re going to be in or near water, make sure it’s water resistant.
Whether or not you go in the water, it’s best to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. If you’re not actively trying to get color, he said it’s a good idea to get some extra protection like a hat, sunglasses or a lightweight, long-sleeve shirt.
There are times of day when you need to be very careful, Friedman said.
“If you can seek shade during peak hours, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., that would be ideal,” he said. “But you can definitely have fun and be protected by using sunscreen on exposed areas and using protective clothing.”
As tedious as it may seem, he says, it’s important to be thorough when applying sunscreen.
“Don’t forget some of the more sensitive areas like the skin around the eyes, lips, ears and even the backs of the hands,” Friedman told WTOP. “These areas are exposed and the skin is a little thinner and more sensitive to the harmful effects of UV rays.”
Additionally, different types of sunscreen should be applied…differently.
“The most common mistake I’ve seen is using spray sunscreens as if they were a lotion or cream,” he said. “I usually spray this liquid into my palm to get a nice little puddle, then rub it into my skin… spraying it like thermal water – that won’t do the trick. You’re going to take it out on everyone around you, not yourself.
What if you chose to ignore all this advice and ended up burned out? So what ?
“First, use a moisturizer on damp skin, because when skin is sunburned, its ability to retain water is diminished,” Friedman said. “Stay out of the sun when your skin is sunburned, its ability to resist ultraviolet rays is also reduced.”
“Taking ibuprofen or Tylenol can relieve some of the swelling and pain,” he added.
WTOP’s Joshua Barlow contributed to this story.
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