Repeating oneself is never ideal, but when it comes to preventing skin cancer, we’re willing to make an exception. As you may have guessed, we’re talking about sunscreen and its vital role in skin health.
While many of our patients are aware of the risks posed by prolonged, unprotected sun exposure, there are still many people who do not appreciate the importance of wearing sunscreen everyday—rain or shine. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in Canada, and skin damage caused by ultraviolet light is the main culprit responsible for signs of skin aging. Are you reaching for your sunscreen yet?
In this article, we share tips for sunscreen use that even the most skin-savvy among us may not know. Read on and learn.
Are you using enough sunscreen?
The sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreen refers to the number of minutes your skin can be exposed to ultraviolet light without burning. When this rating is determined through laboratory testing, the application of sunscreen is quite liberal. What does this mean for you? In order to enjoy the full protection of your sunscreen, you should apply a minimum of one ounce of sunscreen to your face and body.
TIP: To avoid getting sunscreen on your clothes, and for proper application, apply your sunscreen before getting dressed, allowing it to penetrate your skin before venturing outdoors.
Did you miss a spot?
Most of us have seen or felt the results of a sunscreen application gone awry. Strange mottled sunburns where sunscreen wasn’t applied evenly, or definitive patches of red skin where we missed a spot are unpleasant lessons to learn. However, there are some key areas of exposed skin where sunscreen application is often overlooked. We’re talking about the hairline, the part line on the scalp, the ears, and the tops of the feet.
TIP: How do you manage to apply sunscreen on and around the scalp? We highly recommend using a powder sunscreen such as Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 or SPF 50. Approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this weightless sunscreen provides coverage for areas of the skin that would otherwise be quite challenging to protect.
Are you reapplying?
If you think that wearing sunscreen every day is enough, think again. Sunscreen is only active for a period of a few hours. This means that if you applied it first thing in the morning, you are no longer protected by the time you head out for your mid-morning coffee break.
TIP: Keeping a bottle of sunscreen in your desk at work or in your handbag makes it easy to reapply as needed throughout the day.
A few golden rules that are worth repeating:
- Apply your sunscreen a minimum of 20 minutes before you head outside, to allow it time to become active on your skin.
- Check the expiry dates on last year’s sunscreen to make sure it is still effective.
We’ve just covered some essential SPF rules to live by, and with any luck, you’ve learned something new! Armed with this new knowledge, we hope that you enjoy the sunshine responsibly. If you require any guidance in finding a sunscreen that you love, we can help! Contact us to arrange a consultation today.
