Best Sunscreen and Sun Protection Tips

Date Published: June 24th, 2015
Blog Category: Acne, Skin Cancer, Skin Care, SPF, Sun Protection, Sunscreen, Uncategorized

Who needs sunscreen?

Everyone. People of all skin colors get skin cancer. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in more than 2 million people are diagnosed annually. Many of these skin cancers could have been prevented with protection from the sun’s rays.

What type of sunscreen should I use?

The best type of sunscreen is the one you will use again and again. Just make sure it offers UVA and UVB protection, a SPF of 30 or greater and is water resistant

When should I use sunscreen?

  • Every day. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays year round but sunscreens are most important during extended periods of sun exposure.
  • Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin.
  • Snow, sand, and water increase the need for sunscreen.

How much sunscreen should I use, and how often should I apply it?

  • Apply generously according to the directions on the bottle. Most people only apply 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen.
  • Apply the sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes BEFORE going outdoors.
  • Skin cancer also can form on the lips- use a lip balm that contains SPF of 30 or higher.

Is sunscreen all I need to protect myself from the sun?

Sunscreen plays an important role in protecting your skin from the sun, but it does not offer complete protection. To protect your skin and find skin cancer early, dermatologists recommend the following:

  • Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin.
  • Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  • Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am & 4 pm.
  • Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
  • Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements.
  • Avoid tanning beds.
  • If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, schedule with your dermatology provider.
Sensitive Skin:
Badger Sunscreen Unscented SPF 30
Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Powder Sun Protection SPF 30 & 50
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30
Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 40 Sunscreen Cream
Sport Sunscreens:
Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunblock Spray SPF 55
PreSun Ultra Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
SolBar Liquid Sunscreen SPF 30
Babies and Children:                             
Aveeno Continuous Protection Mineral Block Facestick SPF 55
Blue Lizard Baby Australian Sunscreen SPF 30
California Baby No Fragrance Sunblock Stick or Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
KINeSYS Kids Alcohol Free Spray Sunscreen SPF 30
Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin:
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 45
Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50