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Proper Use of Sunscreens

Important Guidelines for Applying Sunscreens:

•  Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher.
•  Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out into the sun (or as directed by the manufacturer) to give it time to absorb into your skin. 
•  Apply it generously – use about 1 ounce (the amount in a shot glass) to cover all exposed parts of the body.
•  Reapply every 2 hours – and more often if you are swimming or perspiring. 
•  A small tube containing between 3 to 5 ounces of sunscreen might only be enough for one person during a day at the beach.
•  Do not forget about lips, ears, feet, hands, bald spots and the back of the neck. In addition, apply sunscreen to areas under bathing suit straps, necklaces, bracelets, and sunglasses.
•  Keep sunscreen until the expiration date or for no more than 3 years, because the sunscreen ingredients might become less effective over time.
•  Use sunscreen even on cloudy or hazy days

According to the FDA, “water resistant” sunscreens must maintain their SPF after 40 minutes of water immersion, while “very water resistant” sunscreens must maintain their SPF after 80 minutes of water immersion. Either type of water-resistant sunscreen must be reapplied regularly, as heavy perspiration, water, and towel drying remove the sunscreen’s protective layer.




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