In order for a sunscreen to work effectively, you must apply it properly. Here are some sunscreen mistakes people often make:
Shop by price, not by quality. It’s cheaper to get a sunscreen with a low SPF that’s not a broad spectrum. Dermatologists recommend buying sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 and broad spectrum, protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB radiation.
Apply it once and forget about it. Sunscreen, no matter the SPF, needs to be applied every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
Don’t apply it early enough. Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
Don’t use it year-round. UVA and UVB radiation can harm skin every day, even on cloudy days. Snow reflects 80 percent of the sun’s rays, and sand reflects 25 percent of the sun’s rays.
Don’t use enough. Apply enough to generously coat all skin not covered by clothing. To cover the entire body surface, 1 ounce is needed.
Not used by everyone. People of all skin colors can get skin cancer. Everyone should use sunscreen.
Rely only on sunscreen for protection. Sunscreen does not offer complete protection from the sun. Remember to seek shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, hat and sunglasses when possible.
Are you confused when you look at bottle after bottle of sunscreen, wondering which one is best for you? How high should the SPF level be? Is it really waterproof? How long will it protect your skin? Will it protect against skin cancer?
It’s enough to make your brain burn.
The good news is that the FDA is promising a new effort to strengthen testing and labeling requirements for sunscreen products, making it easier for consumers to make the right choice. The bad news is that because the new labeling law has been delayed, sunscreen confusion is going to get worse before it gets better.
New sunscreen labeling was originally set to take effect June 18, just in time for beach season. However, because manufacturers weren’t ready with new packaging and the FDA feared a shortage of available sunscreen products, the new labels won’t be required until December. Consequently, consumers are going to see both old and new sunscreen labels on shelves, often offering different claims and information.
Dermatologists recommend that consumers look for sunscreen products with the new, updated labeling. If those aren’t available, they suggest that we be aware of what the new labels will require and buy sunscreens that use the same criteria.
“Choosing a sunscreen has always been very confusing. There’s no need for it to be so confusing now,” said Dr. Caroline Thornton, a dermatologist at Sharp Rees-Stealy in Sorrento Mesa. “People tend to buy what’s least expensive. Now people should know that a broad spectrum offers the most (protection), and I think that will make a difference.”
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer — basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas — are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous. About 65 percent to 90 percent of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.