Going Outside? Layer on the Sunscreen!

If you spend any time outdoors, sunscreen is a must. Make it part of your daily routine, even on overcast days.

Protecting Your Skin in the Sunshine State

While we love the sun, we also respect its power. For us that means taking care that skin is well-protected when we’re outside and cruising the Gulf, on the golf course, or enjoying the beach.

Everyone should use sunscreen, but there are so many choices out there! The American Academy of Dermatology offers these tips that we heartily endorse:

• Buy sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum protection.” They block against both UVA and UVB rays. Most older sunscreens don’t filter out UVA rays.
• Make sure sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or more. They block out 97% of the rays. Higher ones may improve this a bit.
• Use sunscreen generously. Coat all exposed skin and let dry for 15 minutes before you go outside. There’s a rule of thumb for a shot glass full of sunscreen, but obviously people come in all sizes—don’t worry if you need more than this!
• Cover body parts that may come in and out of the sun…like your ears and neck, if a hat won’t cover them at all times. Don’t forget your feet, either!

Use Sunscreen Every Day, All Year Long

Put on sunscreen every day. If it’s cloudy, consider that the sun is still blasting us at 80% of its usual power. If there’s daylight, there’s sun.

Wear sunscreen even in rain. Rain comes and goes here in Florida, and when the sun comes out, you’ll know you’ll feel it!

If you’ll be exercising outdoors, reapply sunscreen every couple of hours. Even water resistant sunscreen will wear out when it’s exposed to moisture.

Do you have questions about skin care? Send them to our medical director, Francis E Toscano, MD.