- Why is sunscreen so important?
Protection from sunburn and skin cancer is not the most important reason for wearing sunscreen. You want to reduce damage from the sun. Your skin can be harmed by constant sun exposure, whether or not you see a burn. Remember, sunburn is an immediate reaction, but damage from the sun occurs over a lifetime.
- Where is the most vital area to apply in your opinion and why?
While we all know that the face is the most important area to apply sunscreen, we often overlook other areas, such as the tops of the ear and our lips. A 2007 study from the Skin Cancer Foundation listed ears as the third most frequent location for skin cancers. Skin cancers can occur on any part of the ear, including the bowl, an area that is relatively protected from the sun, the Skin Cancer Foundation says.
- How often should sunscreen be re-applied and why?
Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every two hours. Sunscreens should also be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating. Reapplying sunscreen is crucial for two reasons. The most important reason is that SPF is broken down by sunlight making the SPF less effective, the second reason is the sunscreen usually isn’t applied thoroughly the first time.
- Will sunscreen cause breakouts?
In short, possibly, but it really depends on the type of SPF you’re applying to your skin. Yes, certain types of sunscreens can cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. Look for the ones that say ‘non-comedogenic,’ such as Alastin Hydratint SPF 36, Elta MD UV Clear SPF 47, or SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion
- What skincare treatments are beneficial to do during the summer to keep your skin healthy while in the sun?
During the summer it is important to continue your superficial exfoliating treatments such as the HydraFacial and MicroPeels. By continuing your treatments throughout the summer it allows you to keep control of hyperpigmentation as well as keeping the skin hydrated. When you remove the upper layer of dead skin, your moisturizers absorb better as well as other treatment products.
- Does sunscreen expire and how should I store it?
Yes, look for an Expiration date. If you can’t find one – TOSS IT – and start fresh. Sunscreens have a shelf life of 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. The FDA requires sunscreens to remain at their original strength for at least three years. However, the manufacture date and the date you bought it are two different things. Sometime sunscreen sits on the drug store shelf for 6 months to a year. I suggest using a permanent marker to note your purchase date on the bottle. When stored at high temperature the effectiveness of sunscreen decreases and become less stable and reliable. Replace your sunscreen if you kept it in your car, boat, garage, golf bag, or beach bag last year. It probably got very hot and has degraded. Keep your sunscreen in your cooler when you go to the beach, lake or any outdoor activity – It feels cool and refreshing when you re-apply.