I look forward with anticipation to the warmer weather all year long, even more so when we have extreme seasons like we did this past winter. In the summertime I feel freer, happier and more at peace. While many will disagree that 80 degrees Fahrenheit is a comfortable temperature, it’s the perfect one for me.
But now that the warm weather looks like it’s dug in its heels, I’m remembering that as much as I love it, it takes a certain amount of caution and pre-planning.
Because when the sun shines – as wonderful as it feels – it’s important to remember that it also burns.
Using sunscreen is not enough – you have to know precisely how to use it and the best types to use. And remember: the most hazardous times for UV exposure are between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Some of your most pressing questions answered:
All sunscreens are created equal – right?
Wrong. Although they do help prevent sunburn, all sunscreens are not the same: only some may help lower the risk of skin cancer. Look for broad-spectrum types, which protect your skin from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), which are both harmful to the health of your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Can I use the leftover sunscreen from last year?
The answer is twofold: Yes, since the stuff is designed to retain its strength for three years. But also, no, since if you are using sunscreen correctly and religiously (more on that in a minute), a bottle shouldn’t last from one year to the next. Tip: If your sunscreen bottle has no expiration date, write down the date you purchased it on the bottle. And dump anything that’s been exposed to very high temperatures or has an off-color or odor.
If I put on sunscreen once at the beach, or before I go outside, isn’t that enough?
Sunscreen should be applied 20-30 minutes before you go outside. And it should be reapplied frequently – about every two hours, but more often if you swim or sweat. Without special approval from the FDA, manufacturers cannot claim “instant protection” or protection for more than two hours without approval.
What’s the best amount to apply sunscreen?
Many of us don’t apply enough. For best protection, most people need about the size of a shot glass (1 ounce) to adequately cover all the exposed areas of their body – and it needs to be rubbed in well. If the size of your sunscreen container is 4 ounces, about one-fourth of it will be used during one application.
If I wear water proof or sweat proof sunscreen, can I swim/sweat and not re-apply it?
There’s no such thing as waterproof or sweat proof sunscreen. In fact, the FDA requires manufacturers to include, on the front label, information about how long a user can get protection while swimming or sweating. Only two times are permitted: 40 or 80 minutes.
If it’s cloudy out, do I still need sunscreen?
Absolutely. Harmful rays (up to 80 percent) can penetrate cloud cover and even fog; you can still get a sunburn. Be especially careful around sand, snow, water or concrete, which can all make the sun’s effects even stronger. It’s best to also cover your head with a hat and your eyes with sunglasses, since sunscreen does not protect you 100 percent.
What’s the right order to apply sunscreen if I use other products?
Moisturizer first, then sunscreen and last, makeup. And if you also use bug spray, make that your last step – putting sunscreen on top of bug spray renders both less effective.
What about if my makeup contains an SPF – do I still need sunscreen?
The Skin Cancer Foundation says you can get protection with both a moisturizer containing SPF combined with a foundation with SPF; two applications of cosmetics containing SPF, they say, increases your protection.. And don’t forget moisturizing your ears, neck and upper chest (usually forgotten areas, but equally susceptible to damage). Also recommended is an eye cream with an SPF for the delicate skin around your eyes. After applying your foundation, compressed powder, applied with a sponge, helps your products to stay put through the day. (Of course, perspiration or your own skin oils can make the protection wear off, in which case, you’ll need to reapply it.)
Happy Sun! And please…protect yourself and do it right.
More Reading on MySoCalledMidlife:
http://mysocalledmidlife.net/five-easy-ways-to-take-good-care-of-yourself/
http://mysocalledmidlife.net/selling-the-family-home-step-by-step/
http://mysocalledmidlife.net/do-you-ever-act-outside-your-comfort-zone/
Doreen McGettigan says
These are great tips. How could I have not known some of them?
SherylK says
I’m so glad I could help you learn something new, Doreen~! Thanks for reading.
Judy Freedman says
Sheryl, thanks for all the helpful tips. I slathered on sunscreen this past weekend and try to remind my kids to do the same.
Sheryl says
You are very welcome, Judy. “Slathering” is a good term; sounds like you were using enough!
Irene S. Levine says
Great reminders! Although it’s raining outside my window right now:-)
Sheryl says
I know, Irene. It’s been a rainy week here. No opportunities to see the sun – wah!
Lisa Froman says
Ha, 80 degrees would be a cool front here! It’s been around 90 degrees lately. This was a great piece; I learned some new things. Which proves you can teach an “oldish” dog new tricks.
Sheryl says
Wow, 90 IS real heat. I wonder if I’d like it that hot? Don’t think so. Glad I could teach the “oldish” in you something new!
Cathy Chester says
Thanks for the great information.
I had a dear friend who passed away at a very young age from melanoma, and my dad has had dozens of them biopsied and tested. Scary! So thanks for this information, Sheryl.
Sheryl says
Oh, Cathy, that is so so sad about losing your friend at such a young age. I’m sure you’re super-vigilant.
Tom Sightings says
Great advice. I have another question: Do you need to put sunscreen under your clothes, like a hat or a t shirt? Sounds stupid, I know, but I find I still get sunburned on my bald spot — the skin is tender, and had never been exposed to the sun until a few years ago — even when I’m wearing a hat.
Sheryl says
Tom, that is such a good question. And so far I’m having a tough time locating the answer. I’ll have to run it by a dermatologist to know for sure. I’m surrised to hear, though, that the sun is still able to get through your hat to your bald spot. Are you putting sunblock on it even though you’re covering it with a hat? Silly question, but maybe you’re not and the hat’s not enough…
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Very good reminders, and I did not know to look for a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, so thank you.
Sheryl says
Glad I could impart some helpful information, Helene!
Brette says
I think that as nice as the spray sunscreens are, they don’t give me complete protection . It’s too easy to miss a spot that way. You think you sprayed everything but you can’t see where it goes.
Sheryl says
I tend to agree with you, Brette. The last time I used a spray sunblock, I ended up tasting it!
Roxanne says
I’ve always wondered about the skincare creams + sunscreen. Could sunscreen make fancy skin creams not work as well … since you put it on afterwards?
Sheryl says
I’ve posed that question to an expert…stay tuned.
Jane Boursaw says
I try to avoid direct sunlight whenever possible, but know I need to get in the habit of applying sunscreen every day. Thanks for the reminders, Sheryl.
Alexandra says
Not all sunscreens are good for us. I wonder, here in Sweden, what the situation is for sunscreen as the sun is shining almost 24 hours a day.
SherylK says
Hmmm, I never thought about that, Alexandra. 24 hours of sunlight sounds heavenly – but I’d imagine you’d have to use lots and lots of sunscreen!
Merr says
I’m fair and my skin is delicate. My skin responds to different SPF formulations -spray vs, lotion for example-at different times of the year.
SherylK says
I’m the same way you are, Merr; fair and delicate skin. It burns instantly!