Solution: Here are Dr. Evans' rules for how often to apply SPF if you're going to be outside all day (at the beach, hiking or the like): If you're fair, apply sunscreen every two hours; if you're more olive, every three or four hours; if you're darker, three times a day. And all skin tones should apply more often if you're in and out of the water.
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Mistake: Neglecting to wear sunscreen in the winter while driving or working indoors
Solution: Many of the skin cancer cases that Evans has seen are on the left side of the body (hint: your arm is exposed when you drive). Her solution? "Get chauffeured!" Kidding (though wouldn't that be nice?). To be on the safe side, she suggests wearing SPF every day. For example, if you're in New York and it's winter, you should still wear an SPF 15 on your face, says Evans. If you loathe sunscreen in a lotion form because it makes your face feel oily, try a powder sunscreen like Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45, $30. It's water- and sweat-proof, says Jailman. Plus, it adds a little color to your complexion and is great for acne-prone skin.
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Mistake: Using a sunscreen that blocks only UVB rays
Solution: Use a sunblock that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which block UVB and UVA rays, says Evans. (Note: UVA rays can yield sun damage and/or lead to skin cancer). Try Kids Sport Sunscreen, $15.97.
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Mistake: Using a sunscreen that landed in your medicine cabinet circa '99
Solution: Make sure your sunscreen is not expired, says Evans. Jailman recommends writing a date on the bottle (if it doesn't already note one) when you buy it, and then tossing it after one year has passed. She adds that if it's a chemical-based sunscreen (as opposed to a physical sunblock -- that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) it can decompose, so make sure not to leave it outside in direct sunlight.
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Mistake: Waiting to apply
Solution: Best case scenario: Put your SPF on before you even put on your bathing suit, says Evans. Use a spray form like Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunscreen, $8.99, which will give you even coverage and make it easy to reach your back (unless you have the luxury of having a partner around to apply the lotion for you). But if life happens and you don't get the chance to put it on ahead of time, just bring your spray sunscreen with, and be sure to apply it thoroughly and under your bathing suit straps and the edges of the suit.
Raise your hand if you've ever gotten an embarrassing, lobster-like sunburn or a dorky farmer's tan. Yup, us too. What about having tanorexic tendencies by soaking up the sun any chance you get and/or hitting up the tanning bed for that insta-bronze and rush of endorphins? Check. Or what about arduously applying sunscreen, but missing that big patch on your upper back, the tops of your feet or your scalp? Check. If you're guilty as charged to some of these sunscreen offenses, then let's get with it already and make healthy skin a priority.
Expert dermatologists Dr. Linda Evans and Dr. Debra Jailman set the record straight about some of the many sunscreen misconceptions out there. And here they offer up solutions to the mistakes you might be making by clarifying things like how much sunscreen you should use and how often to apply it, and they suggest winning skin care products that'll prevent sun damage -- since it's not healthy or pretty. Case in point: Evans said that she has a few patients who are older nuns (yes, nuns see dermatologists too) and they have minimal skin damage (thanks to years wearing habits and never exposing their bodies). On the other hand, her patients who worship the sun have skin with way more free-radical damage and consequently look a lot older. While we're not suggesting that you need to take vows of poverty, chastity and service and never wear a bikini again to keep your skin safe -- we are saying it might be time to stop making these common sunscreen mistakes that can damage your skin for good.
