5 Tips For Picking The Perfect Sunscreen To Keep Your Skin Safe This Summer
- Posted on: Aug 15 2022
Summer is finally here! The warmer weather and longer days are a welcome respite from the chilly winter months. But as the mercury rises, so does the risk of sun damage to your skin. That’s why choosing the right sunscreen is essential to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. This blog post will give you 5 tips for picking the perfect sunscreen to keep your skin safe this summer.
Check the Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
The SPF measures how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) B rays, which are the leading cause of sunburn. The SPF number on a sunscreen label corresponds to the time you can stay in the sun without sunburn. For example, if you usually sunburn in 20 minutes, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents your skin from getting red for 15 times longer — or about five hours.
Make Sure It Says “Broad-Spectrum” On The Label
Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays cause wrinkles and can contribute to skin cancer. You want a sunscreen that protects against both kinds of rays.
Choose A Water-Resistant Formula If You’re Sweating Or Swimming
Water-resistant sunscreens maintain their SPF level after 80 minutes of activity in water or sweating, while regular sunscreens need to be reapplied more frequently to maintain their SPF.
Select A Sunscreen With An SPF of 30 or Higher
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s UVB rays, but they don’t last or work any better than products with an SPF in the 30–50 range. And because people usually don’t apply enough sunscreen — and don’t reapply it often enough — you might not be getting the full SPF protection listed on the label.
Consider Using Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens, also called physical sunscreens, contain active ingredients that sit on top of your skin and reflect the sun’s rays away from your body. They typically contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Because these ingredients don’t penetrate the skin, they may be a good choice.
Schedule a Consultation
Would you like to learn more about protecting your skin this summer? Get more information on how to protect your skin from sun damage by contacting Laser & Mohs Dermatology of New York. The office is located at 212-391-8600 in the heart of Midtown Manhattan in Times Square. Please contact us soon if you have any questions.
Posted in: General Dermatology, Skin Care
