Spring is here, and that means summer is soon to follow. More people will be flooding the beaches and spending time outdoors, which means more exposure to the sun.
We know the best way to protect skin from cancer is sunscreen. And while it should be used every day, regardless of the weather or sun exposure, it’s always a great reminder as the warmer weather sets in.
Dr. Lauren Raimer-Goodman, with the UTMB Pediatric Clinic in Friendswood, said there are several things to know when choosing a sunscreen, as some offer better protection than others.
“Sunscreens have different ingredients in them,” she said. “In general, we want a sunscreen that says ‘broad spectrum’ on it; that will protect us from both UVA and UVB rays, which both can damage the skin.”
She added that products made with oxybenzone have been shown to be a hormone disruptor, so it’s important to avoid any products with that ingredient.
When shopping for sunscreen, she said there are certain ingredients to look for.
“Try to use mineral sunscreens when we can, such as zinc or titanium oxide as the main ingredient,” Raimer-Goodman said.
For those with a skin sensitivity, try using different sunscreens out until you find one that works well.
Raimer-Goodman said when it comes to children under 6 months of age, parents should limit the amount of sunscreen they put on their baby.
“You want to wear a long sleeve and long pant but breathable cotton clothing that can give them a little sun protection and a nice, good hat with a good brim all the way around,” she said. “Also try to stay in the shade when you can – from your stroller or from a tree or a nice shady spot at the park or under a tent at the beach.”
Sunscreen comes in different sun protection factors – also known as SPF – which range from about 15 to well above 50.
“Research shows that greater than 50 is not really going to give us too much extra benefit,” she said. “Kids who have paler skin need a higher SPF and need to apply it more frequently.”
Sunscreen should generally be reapplied about every hour and a half to two hours when in the sun and every time you get out of the water if you’ve been swimming.
She said when you know you’ll be in water, try to use a sunscreen that is water resistant.
If you have any questions about sunscreen, talk to your doctor.
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