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How To Prepare Your Skin for Summer in the Sun

by HOO Dermatology
Obagi Sunshield Matte SPF50 in the sand by hoodermatology.com

Sunshine, fresh air, and the great outdoors make us fall in love with summer year after year. But no one ever falls in love with their sunburn, especially those who know that the damaging effects from the sun can lead to premature skin aging, age spots, and even skin cancer, including melanoma.1

We’ve Got You Covered

To reduce your chance of developing skin cancer and other complications associated with excessive sun exposure, take a few precautionary measures before you hit the beach or the backyard barbeque this season.

    Wear a high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen like the Obagi Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

    Broad-spectrum sunscreens are formulated to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays—the two types of UV light that damage the skin.3

    Use sunscreens daily.

    Even if you work indoors, you are still exposed to UV radiation for brief periods of time throughout the day.4

    Lotions and makeup that contain SPF should not replace your daily sunscreen.

    You would need to apply 7 times the normal amount of foundation and 14 times the normal amount of powder to receive the full SPF on the labels.5

    Apply correct amount of sunscreen

    To ensure that you get the full SPF of a sunscreen, you should apply 1 oz (about 1 espresso shot full). Studies show that most people apply only half to a quarter of that amount, which results in an SPF of half to a quarter of what is labeled on the bottle.5

    Apply sunscreen at the right time

    Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow time for the ingredients to be absorbed by the skin. It is just as important to reapply sunscreen as it is to put it on in the first place.

    You should reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours or immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating.

    It is necessary to wear sunscreen even on a cloudy day. Approximately 40% of the sun’s radiation reaches the earth’s surface even when it’s completely cloudy outside.3

    Purchase a pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat

    Aside from being a great way to make a fashion statement by the pool, wearing protective clothing is one of the best ways to protect against the damaging effects of the sun.

    Be smart about how you protect your skin this summer and for summers to come. Your board-certified dermatologist will be able to provide you with some additional advice. Their advice, combined with these simple skin protection tips, can significantly reduce your risk of developing complications and skin diseases that result from overexposure to the sun.

    References
    1. Sunburn. Mayo Clinic Web site.
    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunburn/DS00964. Accessed May 10, 2013.
    2. Skin cancer facts. Skin Cancer Foundation Web site.
    http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts. Accessed May 10, 2013.
    3. Best sunscreen: understand sunscreen options. Mayo Clinic Web site.
    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/best-sunscreen/MY01350. Accessed May 10, 2013.
    4. Sunscreens explained. Skin Cancer Foundation Web site.
    http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreens-explained. Accessed May 10, 2013.
    5. Sunscreen and your makeup routine. WebMD Web site.
    http://www.webmd.com/beauty/sun/sunscreen-and-your-makeup-routine. Accessed May 10, 2013
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