Tag: sunscreen

  • The Spots Sunscreen Often Misses: A Head-to-Toe Summer Checklist

    Most of us apply sunscreen the same way every time: a quick pass over the face, the arms and maybe the legs, then out the door. The trouble is that a few spots get skipped again and again, and by the end of a long July day they are often the ones that feel tight, warm and pink. Here is a head-to-toe checklist of the places people commonly miss, with a few simple fixes.

    Head and face

    • The tops and backs of the ears. Ears stick out into the sun and are easy to forget. A sunscreen stick makes them simple to cover.
    • The hairline and the part in your hair. A wide-brimmed hat is the easiest answer. Some sunscreens are made for the scalp, including powders and light sprays.
    • Around the eyes. Many people avoid this area because sunscreen can sting. A stick or a formula labeled for the eye area can help, and sunglasses do the rest.
    • The lips. Look for a lip balm with SPF and reapply it after eating and drinking.
    • Under the jaw and the sides of the nose. These areas tend to get a quick swipe rather than a full coat.

    Neck, chest and arms

    • The back of the neck. It is fully exposed when you garden, read on the porch or walk with your head bent toward a phone. Collared shirts and hats with a back brim help.
    • The chest and neckline. Open collars, sundresses and swimsuits leave this area out in the sun for hours.
    • The backs of the hands. Hands are washed often, which removes sunscreen. Reapply after washing, especially when you are driving or gardening.
    • The shoulders and upper back. These are hard to reach on your own. Ask for help, or choose a shirt or swim top that covers them.

    Legs and feet

    • The backs of the knees and legs. Easy to skip and easy to burn, especially when lying face down at the pool or the beach.
    • The tops of the feet. Sandal season means bare feet in the sun all day. Apply sunscreen to the tops of the feet and the ankles, and reapply after swimming or walking through wet grass.

    Habits that make it easier

    Coverage is less about the perfect product and more about routine. Apply sunscreen before you dress, so the edges of your clothes are covered too. Use a generous amount, following the directions on the label, and reapply as the label advises, especially after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Check expiration dates and replace bottles that are old or have spent the summer baking in a hot car.

    Shade, hats, sunglasses and lightweight long sleeves all help, and on the brightest days they do much of the work. Planning outdoor time for the early morning or evening keeps you out of the strongest midday sun.

    A note on sunglasses and skin checks

    When choosing sunglasses, look for a label that says they block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, sometimes listed as UV400. Darker lenses alone do not guarantee protection.

    Summer is also a natural time to notice your skin. If you see a spot that is new, changing, itching or bleeding, or anything that simply worries you, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. Sun care is one of the simplest forms of self-care, and a few extra seconds on the ears, lips and feet make it complete.

  • How to Choose a Sunscreen: SPF, Broad Spectrum and Water Resistance Explained

    How to Choose a Sunscreen: SPF, Broad Spectrum and Water Resistance Explained

    By May the sun over Georgia is already strong, and the sunscreen aisle is suddenly very long. Sprays, lotions, sticks, mineral, chemical, SPF 15 to SPF 100. The good news is that the front of the bottle uses a small number of regulated terms, and once you know what they mean, the choice gets much easier.

    What the SPF number tells you

    SPF stands for sun protection factor. It describes how well a product, applied as directed, shields skin from the ultraviolet B rays that cause sunburn. A higher number means more protection, but the scale is not linear, and the jump from SPF 30 to SPF 50 is smaller than the numbers suggest.

    Many dermatology organizations suggest SPF 30 or higher for time outdoors. What matters more than chasing a big number is applying enough product and reapplying it. Most people use far less than the amount the SPF rating assumes, which is why a generous layer of SPF 30 often serves better than a thin smear of something higher.

    Why “broad spectrum” matters

    SPF only measures UVB. Ultraviolet A rays reach deeper into the skin and are present all day and all year, even through clouds and window glass. A sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” has passed a test showing it also protects against UVA. If a bottle does not say broad spectrum, it is only doing part of the job, no matter how high its SPF.

    Water resistant is not waterproof

    In the United States, sunscreen labels may not claim to be waterproof or sweatproof. Instead they can say “water resistant” followed by a time, usually 40 or 80 minutes. That number is how long the product kept its stated SPF during testing while the skin was in water. After that window, or after towel drying, you need to reapply. On a lake day or at the pool, that means reapplying more often than you probably think.

    Mineral or chemical?

    Mineral sunscreens rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin and scatter light. They can leave a faint white cast but tend to feel gentle, which is why many people with sensitive skin prefer them. Chemical sunscreens use filters that absorb UV and are often lighter and more transparent. Neither type is automatically better. The best sunscreen is the one you will actually wear, in the amount you actually need.

    A short checklist for the shelf

    • SPF 30 or higher for outdoor time
    • The words “broad spectrum” on the front
    • Water resistance if you will swim or sweat
    • A texture you like well enough to reapply
    • A date that has not passed, since sunscreen does lose effectiveness over time

    Sunscreen is one piece of a larger habit that includes shade, hats and timing your outdoor hours. If you have questions about your own skin, a history of skin concerns or a reaction to a product, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. They can help you choose what suits you, so that the rest of us can get back to enjoying the long, bright days ahead.

  • Why Sunscreen Still Matters in Winter

    On a cool, gray February day, sunscreen may be the last thing on your mind. Many people think of it as a summer product, packed in a beach bag and forgotten until June. But many dermatology organizations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend using sunscreen year-round on skin that will be exposed to the sun.

    This is general information. For personal skincare advice, especially if you have a skin condition or concerns about sun exposure, talk with a dermatologist.

    The Sun Is Still Shining

    Even when the air is cold, the sun’s ultraviolet light still reaches the earth. UV light comes in two main types that affect skin: UVA and UVB. UVB is more closely associated with sunburn, and its intensity varies with the season. UVA is present throughout the year and can pass through clouds and glass windows.

    That means time outdoors on a cloudy day, sitting by a sunny window or driving can all involve some sun exposure.

    Choosing a Sunscreen

    When choosing a sunscreen, many dermatologists suggest looking for:

    • Broad-spectrum protection, which means it is designed to protect against both UVA and UVB
    • An SPF of 30 or higher for daily use
    • A formula you actually enjoy wearing, since you are more likely to use it

    There are two main types: mineral sunscreens, which use ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and chemical sunscreens, which use other ingredients that absorb UV light. Both can be effective. People with sensitive skin sometimes prefer mineral formulas, but everyone is different.

    Making It Part of Your Routine

    The easiest way to use sunscreen consistently is to make it part of your morning routine:

    • Cleanse your face.
    • Apply moisturizer.
    • Apply sunscreen as the last step before makeup.

    Some moisturizers include SPF, which can simplify the routine. Remember your ears, neck and the backs of your hands, which are often exposed.

    Reapplication

    Sunscreen labels typically recommend reapplying at least every two hours when you are outdoors, and more often if you are sweating or swimming. On a winter day spent mostly indoors, your needs may be different. Follow the directions on your sunscreen’s label.

    Beyond Sunscreen

    Sunscreen is one part of sun care. Other simple habits include:

    • Wearing a hat and sunglasses outdoors
    • Seeking shade during the brightest part of the day
    • Wearing lip balm with SPF

    A Year-Round Habit

    Building a sunscreen habit in winter means you are already in the routine when spring arrives. Keep a bottle by the bathroom sink, a small tube in your bag and another in the car. Like brushing your teeth, it soon becomes something you do without thinking.

    If you notice any changes in your skin, such as new spots, changing moles or patches that do not heal, see a dermatologist or your doctor. Regular skin checks are an important part of caring for your skin.