“Choose a lip balm - or a sunscreen stick designed specifically for the lips - with an SPF of 15 or higher.” When should I use water-resistant sunscreen? Lips, the lower lip especially, "are highly susceptible to skin cancer because they’re also exposed to the sun every day and are one of the most common sites for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas,” says Dr. About 10% of melanomas occur on the scalp, so it’s important to take extra precautions by wearing hats and applying sunscreen." There are some products formulated especially for the part in your hair and the rest of your scalp, that won’t leave residue. “However, you need more protection than that - especially if your hair is thin. Hair does help shield the scalp from the sun’s rays to some extent, says Dr. Getty Images What about my scalp and lips? “But people tend to forget to apply sunscreen on the tips and back of the ears, exposed scalp, back of the neck, around the eyes, and the tops of the hands and feet.” The best way to make sure you get full coverage? “Apply sunscreen before you get dressed, and then reapply to all exposed skin,” she says. “Skin cancers can show up on any part of the body, even those not exposed to UV rays,” says Dr. Remember the two hour rule: “If you apply sunscreen an hour before heading out, you need to reapply it an hour after you get outside.” What are the spots on the body that people often miss? “And rub it in until you can’t see the product!” she says. Physical sunscreens take effect immediately and can be applied right before sun exposure. Do I need to apply sunscreen before I go outside?Ĭhemical sunscreen, which is absorbed into the skin, needs to be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors to let the ingredients fully bind to the skin, says Dr. And if you’re using a spray, apply until an even sheen appears on the skin." Remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, or more often after swimming, heavy perspiration, or toweling off. “For the face alone, a nickel-sized dollop should be applied. So how does that translate into an amount you can eyeball? “This is about the equivalent of a shot glass full, or about two tablespoons,” she says. “To achieve the SPF reflected on a bottle of sunscreen, you should use approximately two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin,” she explains. Okay, now how much sunscreen should I use?Īlmost no one uses as much as they should, says Dr. There are many different sunscreen and cosmetic items that have our seal.” “Be sure the sunscreen says ‘broad spectrum’ on the label, which means it protects against UVA and UVB rays.” She adds, “Look for products that have earned The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation to be sure a product is safe and effective. “The SPF should be 15 or higher - ideally, 30 or higher if you’ll be spending extended time outdoors,” says Dr. First, what's the right level of SPF to use? We talked to Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and a spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation, to get science-based answers to some top sunscreen questions. (Okay, we'll remind you: wrinkles, brown spots, and yes, skin cancer ….) But still, even the most knowledgable grown-ups are often confused about how much sunblock to use, when to put it on, how often to reapply it, and so on. You’re a smart cookie, and an in-the-know adult: We don’t need to tell you why you should wear sunscreen.
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