Am I wearing my sunscreen wrong?

Let's begin with some statistics.

Recent studies confirm 1 in 5 people living to age 70 will get skin cancer. In the United States alone

• more than 9.500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day and
• more than two people die of the disease every hour.
• Having more the 5 sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk for melanoma-the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Now, for some cheerier news

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the regular use of sunscreens makes and difference! Using a sunscreen with SPF 15 daily can lower your risk of squamous cell carcinoma by approximately 40% and melanoma by 50%.

How much sunscreen is enough? 

Do you know that you need a shot glass full of sunscreen to cover your entire body? A shot glass full ensures proper coverage. This means if you're on a week-long beach vacation, you should go through a bottle of sunscreen every 3-4 days! Why? For optimum protection, the new recommendation is to reapply every 80 minutes.

Types of Sunscreen

It's best to stick with lotion type sunscreens. While sunscreen sticks, sprays and wipes are convenient to apply, they also increase your risk of under-application because they go on so thinly.

Aerosol types are just not as effective as lotions. Sprays are notorious for not providing the SPF number on the label. Much of the spray is blown away in a gentle breeze. Even application is more difficult too.  

What SPF level is needed for best protection?

SPF50 blocks 98.5 percent UV

It's important to purchase broad spectrum sun protection and use it--even on cloudy days during Winter.

I always recommend getting in the habit of applying a day moisturizer with SPF50 every morning, right after showering.  Making it a habit ensures you'll be protected rain or shine.

Myth: Many women feel because their liquid foundation contains sunscreen, it's all they need. 

       Facts: The way you apply a liquid makeup and a moisturizer         with sunscreen are completely different.  One you apply and         spread, reducing the amount actually on your skin, the other         you apply more generously. 

       Tip:  Apply the day moisturizer with sunscreen first, then         use liquid foundation with sunscreen. 

Please practice safe sun! Your skin will thank you. 

Do you have a tip on how to best protect your skin? What do you do?