“I know, Mom, I'll wear sunscreen at the beach and I won't use tanning beds. I'm fine!”
Sound familiar? You might think you're doing enough to protect yourself from skin cancer, but the reality is that 1 in 5 Americans will develop the disease during their lifetime, according to a 2005 study by J.K. Robinson published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. We've all had the basics of preventing skin cancer drilled into us from a young age, so Her Campus sat down with cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist Neil Sadick, MD to learn more.
1. How much SPF do you really need to wear?
It's one thing to squirt a quarter-size of SPF 15 into your hands to quickly rub over your face; it's another thing entirely to slather SPF 30 or higher over your entire body. Both technically count as putting on sunscreen, but which do you think is actually more effective? For best protection and coverage, Sadick recommends, “A small shot glass size of sunscreen in SPF 30 is best.” That conversion rate should be easy enough to remember during spring break! (Of course, it never hurts to wear a little extra – either more sunscreen, a higher SPF, or both.)
Remembering to wear sunscreen is an awesome first step – but if you never reapply it, you're gypping yourself of all sunscreen's benefits. While it can be a pain, it's important to reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Otherwise, the product wears off and so does its protection. As long as you're good about your sunscreen application, there's no reason to need a higher SPF for certain parts of your body, but it can’t hurt if you know you’re especially prone to sunburn in certain areas like your chest or shoulders.
2. Where should sunscreen be applied?
Short answer: Everywhere! Long answer: Virtually every part of your body exposed to the sun can burn and put you at risk for skin cancer. You might not think it's a big deal to skip your armpits, eyelids, ears, neck, hands, or feet when applying sunscreen, but forgetting those areas can lead to painful burns (and the possibility of skin cancer down the line).
3. Does makeup that includes SPF really work?
Don't be fooled, your tinted moisturizer with SPF isn't doing you too many favors. “You can still use it, but it's not as effective as wearing a sunscreen with the equivalent SPF,” Sadick says. A pure sunscreen is your safest bet. Try Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 30, which goes on so lightly you can't feel it underneath your makeup (bonus: it makes your skin feel so baby soft, it's okay to skimp on the moisturizer!). If your favorite beauty products already have SPF in them, you don't need to give them up – just make sure to wear sunscreen underneath. If you use makeup with SPF, remember to apply it evenly across your face. Using concealer with SPF in certain spots, for example, can lead to a blotchy tan. Not so cute!
4. Some clothing claims to have technology to shield your skin from ultraviolet rays. Does it work?
Sadick confirms this myth is true! It sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, but some companies can actually manufacture fabric woven in order to block out UV rays. “SPF clothing,” as it's sometimes referred to, can also be designed in a way that minimizes high-risk areas' (shoulders, back, upper arms) sun exposure. Check out the newly launched UV collection at UNIQLO, a trendy American Apparel-esque shopping hotspot originally from Korea, now available in New York and online. We love the UV-protectant UNIQLO dress on Charlize Theron! If you like to work out outside, consider wearing UV-protectant clothing since you probably won't have time or be in the mindset to reapply sunscreen in the middle of your workout.