Sunscreen is an often-forgotten product included in a skincare routine, but it’s also one of the most important. Not only does sunscreen protect against premature skin aging from the sun, but it also prevents melanoma from developing. At Premier Dermatology, home of the best dermatologist in Delaware, we are dedicated to assisting you with taking care of and protecting your skin from whatever life throws at you, and one of the most unavoidable aspects of life is sun exposure. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about sunscreen, its application, and more.
For your entire body, about one ounce (the size of a shot glass) of sunscreen should be used. However, if you’re spending most of the day inside or it’s during the winter months when most of your body is covered while outdoors, a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen will protect your face and neck against the sun’s harmful rays. Regardless of how light or dark your skin tone is, it is important to apply a generous amount of sunscreen throughout the day. The best dermatologist in Delaware at Premier Dermatology can inform you of whether you’re using too little sunscreen and even offer tips about the application.
If you’re spending a lot of time outside, sunscreen should be applied anywhere, even under clothes. However, anywhere that is exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, hands, back, and chest areas should be protected with sunscreen. Even the ears should have some protection from the sun, whether it’s sunscreen or a wide-brimmed hat. Your dermatologist in Delaware can recommend certain places that might get more exposure than others or places we don’t think about protecting.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should apply sunscreen approximately 15 minutes before going outside. This will give the sunscreen time to be fully absorbed into the skin so it can offer maximum protection. If you’re swimming or sweating a lot, it’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours to make sure you’re still protected against the sun’s harmful rays. If you have a lighter skin tone or are more susceptible to sun damage, the best dermatologist in Delaware can instruct you on what to do to protect yourself more.
Everyone, regardless of skin tone or resistance to sun damage, should wear sunscreen and other forms of sun protection. Even skin that is more melanated can be damaged by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Children over the age of six months old should also wear sunscreen, and there are special sunscreens for those with sensitive skin or younger than six months.
Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause a number of problems, from sunburns to skin cancer. By wearing sunscreen on a daily basis and including it in your morning routine, you can help protect your skin from these harmful rays. Sunscreen also helps to prevent premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, and more, so it’s important to use it even if you don’t plan on spending a lot of time in the sun. Your dermatologist in Delaware can assist patients who need more assistance in curating a reapplication schedule and more.
When it comes to purchasing the right sunscreen for your skin, it’s important to consider a few things. First, you need to make sure the sunscreen has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher and is labeled “broad spectrum,” which means it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also important to find a sunscreen that is water-resistant for those days that are a little hotter or during which you’ll be spending a lot of time in or around water.
At Premier Dermatology, we are happy to offer a wide variety of services and resources for our patients. Our staff is dedicated to assisting you with services such as If you have any questions about sunscreen or would like to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist in Delaware, please contact us today!
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