Summer is Almost Here - Make Sure to Have Plenty of Sunscreen on Hand

While it is important to wear sunscreen every time we go outside in daylight regardless of the time of year, with summer coming, many of us are outdoors for longer periods and need to remember the sun’s rays are stronger. If it has been awhile since you bought your sunscreen, dermatologists say to take a look at the container and check the expiration date. 

They caution seniors it is a mistake to think a little sun exposure is okay, they need the vitamin D, or they have a dark enough skin tone. The fact is 9,500 people a day in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer and one in five people by age 70 will have had skin cancer.  

While there are many good sunscreens on the market, dermatologists say you may want to consider a mineral sunscreen formula. The container should let you know whether it is a mineral or chemical formulation. Mineral sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide while chemical sunscreens are formulated with ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate and octisalate. Currently the FDA is reviewing chemical sunscreens to determine to what extent the chemicals are absorbed into the body.    

The next step to make sure you use it so buy one you like. There are as many different ways to apply the products as there are brands and each one has its own scent and feel to it. Some go on quite dry and quickly absorb into the skin while others are very creamy or oily feeling. If you decide on a spray version, never spray it directly on your face or your child’s but rather spray it on your hands and use them to apply to the face. Water-resistant formulas are good for swimming or sports where you sweat a lot. 

Dermatologists caution most of us never apply enough. The amount of sunscreen needed to ensure protection is way more than you think. It is recommended “adults should count on using a shot-glass-size glob for the body (more if you're generously proportioned or tall) and a teaspoon amount for the face.” The face includes ears, neck and upper chest area.  

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Source: aarp.org/entertainment/style-trends/info-2020/sunscreen-sun-safety-tips.html