Which sunscreen works best? The one you use.
We’re in the full swing of summer, and with many of my patients hitting
the beaches, pools and backyard barbecues, I get a lot of questions about
which brand and type of sunscreen to apply. I am always thrilled by the
question, as it means that these patients are thinking about sunscreen at all.
Too many of us still don’t know the best methods of preventing skin
cancer: staying out of the sun, wearing protective clothing when you’re
in the sun and — yes — wearing the proper amount of sunscreen.
The American Assn. of Dermatology advises all of us to apply an ounce —
that’s enough to fill a shot glass — of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen
over every part of our bodies that will not be covered by clothes a good
15 minutes before going outside. In order for the sunscreen to work most
effectively, it must be reapplied every two hours and whenever we dry
off after spending time in the water.
Most people only apply 25% to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen.
When they do apply it, it’s generally at the beach or by the pool.
The sun doesn’t care whether you’re sitting by your office
window or lounging by the Pacific Ocean; ultraviolet rays are still penetrating
your skin, putting you at risk of developing skin cancer.
On average, we get 80% to 90% of our lifetime sun exposure before we turn
18 years old, so it’s vital to protect our children’s skin as well.
The advice about selecting sunscreen I do give my patients is that they
choose what is called “broad-range” sunscreen with zinc oxide
and/or titanium dioxide. Broad-range sunscreens protect against both UVA
and UVB exposure. Ultraviolet A (long-wave) and ultraviolet B (shortwave)
rays affect the skin differently. But for adequate sunburn and skin cancer
prevention, we need protection from both types of rays.
I also suggest wearing protective clothing, including cool comfortable
clothing that covers your arms, hats and good sunglasses to protect your
eyes as well.
I apply an SPF 30 or higher zinc and/or titanium dioxide sunscreen every
day, whether I am planning to head to the office, the park or the pool.
I reapply every two hours and tend to avoid going outside during peak
sun hours. You’ll find that most dermatologists do the same, practicing
what we preach to avoid the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.
I’ve been asked what type and what brand I use, and, honestly, I
use them all. When it comes to sunscreens, the best one is truly the one
that you’re wearing — and wearing correctly.
Written by
Kathleen Hutton, M.D., dermatologist at Hoag Hospital.
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