A Dermatologist’s 6 Top Sunscreen Tips

My mom loves the outdoors. In my mind’s eye, I see her returning from her garden, while I am wafting earthy and floral aromas, as she teasingly hugs me and teases her. Our family vacations consisted of canoeing on lakes or surfing the waves at sunset. She was always a good girl. lathered in thick sunscreens With (what I thought at the time to be) ridiculously high SPFs.

Even though my mother was diligent about using sunscreen, she still developed skin cancer. She has had basal and squamous skin cells removed from both her chest and nose. Now she is a gardener. full sleeves and a wide hatOn vacations at the beach I like to swim by myself. 

According to the American Cancer SocietyThe most common form of cancer in this country is skin cancer. Skin cancers can be deadly, but even less severe types can cause you to lose your passions and activities.

Use sunscreen correctly to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Right way. You can get more information by speaking to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Asmi BerryI learned SPF is not foolproof. I use sunscreen every day and have for as long as i can remember. But I still need to learn more about radiation protection. 

Here are Dr. Berry’s top tips for avoiding the six most common mistakes that people make with SPF. You’ll also find dermatologist-recommended sunscreen picks from Supergoop, EltaMD, NeutrogenaTop brands and more. 

Mistake: not applying enough sunscreen

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF46

If you have been using the same sunscreen bottle for months or years, then you are probably not using enough. Dr. Berry says that you should use about one ounce, which is about the size and shape of a shotglass, of sunscreen to cover your whole body in a bathing suit. It’s “way too much” for most people, according to Dr. Berry.

Which? You can also type Dr. Berry recommends using a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. She suggests looking for products that contain antioxidants. These are molecules that protect your skin against free radicals. 

Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Mineral Sunscreen

“My favorite brand is EltaMD. It is hydrating. And it’s perfect for those who suffer from acne and rosacea,” said the woman. “I really like this product for people with a lot sun damage.” Isdin Eryfotona Actinica. It is a sunscreen which not only protects the skin, but can also help to reverse any sun damage that you may have already suffered.” Dr. Berry loves the drugstore brand SPFs. La Roche-Posay You can also find out more about the following: Neutrogena“Both products are really good.” 

Reapplying is not remembered by mistake

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen spray

Dr. Berry warns that the second most common mistake is forgetting to reapply sunscreen. The second most common mistake that Dr. Berry warns about is forgetting to reapply sunscreen. FDA instructs Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and increase frequency if you are sweating. 

Setting an alarm will help you remember to reapply sunscreen after a long outing. Finding the sunscreen that is most convenient to you will also make reapplication easier. I have always found spray sunscreen to be a great way to reduce reapplication time. 

Dr. Berry suggests that, while SPF 30 is a great “baseline” sunscreen for daily use and a good choice for most people, you should opt for a higher level of protection if your plan includes a prolonged time in the sunlight or if there’s an existing skin problem. She said that if someone had melasma (which can be caused by sun exposure) or a history sun damage leading cancers or precancers she would recommend SPF 50. “If they plan to spend a full day in the sun, then I would recommend SPF 50.” 

Mistake: Ignoring the most neglected body parts 

Burt’s Bees SPF 30 Lipbalm

Dr. Berry revealed that “the most common parts of our body that we overlook are the ears and neck. We also tend to ignore the tops or the feet.” Dr. Berry said, “I see more sun damage on the ears and neck compared to other parts of the body.” 

Lips can also be vulnerable to UV damage. She continued, “I have seen skin cancers form on the lips.” Actinic Cheilitis refers to precancers that develop on the lips. It’s common. Dr. Berry advises that people who spend a lot of time outdoors should use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or greater to protect the skin. Burt’s Bees SPF 30 lip balm It is one of the most popular items she keeps on hand.  

Coola Scalp & Hair Mist Sunscreen

What is the last thing you should consider? Your noggin. “I do see quite a bit of skin on the head,” she said. “I always recommend patients, especially if they have scalp show—meaning their hair is thinning—to wear a hat.” 

An SPF scalp mist like Coola’s Scalp & Hair Mist Sunscreen This is another option that can protect your hair against UV rays. These rays can cause it to weaken over time and lead to breakage and dryness. Dr. Berry said that this scalp mist was a good option for hard-to reach areas such as the scalp. “I love that it contains antioxidant-rich ingredients such as aloe vera oil and monoi, which provide added protection from UV-induced free-radical damage.” 

Makeup with SPF alone is not enough.

Supergoop Mineral SPF Re-Setting Setting Powder

Before meeting Dr. Berry, my usual practice was to skip the SPF moisturizing lotion before applying sunscreen. Tower28 Tinted Sunscreen I use this as a foundation every day. She explained that “makeup with sunscreen is great as a supplement, but not enough by itself.”

She said, “Whatever SPF the makeup says, that is usually what you get if it has SPF. Cake No one will see you wearing foundation. Get in touch with us today to find out how you can get started. What do you mean? The SPF that you use is less than the SPF it claims. 

Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist

Dr. Berry says that to enhance the protection provided by your favorite SPF products, “the best thing to do is layer sunscreen under the makeup and reapply with a setting spray or powder with SPF.”

Dr. Berry recommended combining chemical and mineral sunscreens for “extra” protection. Make sure you don’t run off the first layer by making sure it is fully dry before applying another.

Mistake: Doing not apply sunscreen on cloudy days and when you will be indoors

Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50

You should be wearing sunscreen every day—even when it’s overcast or you aren’t planning on being outside. “The The biggest advantage of using The lack of awareness is a serious oversight [you get] Dr. Berry warned that daily exposure to UV radiation can accumulate over time, whether it is through windows, or even a short period of time spent running errands. Sun damage can be caused by daily exposure to UV radiation, even through windows or short periods of time spent running errands.

Many people don’t use sunscreen daily because they dislike the way it feels or looks. This is why you should experiment with the many different options of sunscreen to find the one that’s right for them. You can also find out more about us on our website.. Dr. Berry concludes that the best sunscreen is one that you use. My advice is to find the form that you can see yourself using every day.

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick

Chemical sunscreens are better for oily skin because they leave a less white cast. Mineral sunscreens can be a better option for dry or sensitive skin because they act as a barrier instead of being absorbed by the skin. 

Try out different types of SPF and see what you prefer. Stick sunscreens are popular for their non-greasy formulas. They’re easier to apply and less likely to spill than lotions or sprays. Shiseido stick sunscreen was a hit Travel + Leisure editors during our travel sunscreen test.

Mistake: Not using after-sun care

Vacation After-sun Gel

Finally, Dr. Berry says that a good skin care routine does not end with sunset. “Even if you use good sun protection, the skin still needs to recover from sun exposure. aftercare is important.”

Pay attention to the contents of any bottle before purchasing an after-sun lotion. Dr. Berry advised: “I’d look for ingredients such as aloe, antioxidants or niacinamide.” These will all calm down inflammation and rehydrate skin. 

Vacation’s After-sun Gel It checked all the right boxes so I bought it for my recent trip to Jamaica. It was refreshing and cool.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter We’ll send our favorites travel products to you every week.