How Much Sunscreen is Enough?

Habits that Haunt Derm RF | May 3, 2011 at 4:27 pm | Categories: Habits that Haunt | URL: http://wp.me/pMnJi-mi

Skimping on Sunscreen

Sunscreen manufacturers determine SPF in a laboratory setting. Subjects put on a certain amount of sunscreen per centimeter of skin and are then exposed to a solar simulator (a lamp that creates UV radiation similar to sunlight). The amount of sunscreen applied for this test is quite heavy, far more than most people ever use at the beach. The reality is that an SPF 15 isn’t really a 15 if you only apply a thin layer. Therefore, we urge patients to layer their sunscreen. Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun. Let it dry down for at least 15 minutes and then reapply another coat just before your tennis match, mountain hike or other outdoor activity. That way, you’ll have a fighting chance of achieving the full SPF rating and maximizing the potential UVA protection of your product.

Posted via email from Beautiful Skin with Rodan+Fields