Summer Skin Care: Your Top Sunscreen Questions Answered by a Dermatologist

While it’s important to take care of your skin year-round, it’s crucial to give it some extra TLC during the summertime when you’re spending more time outdoors.

This doesn’t mean you should completely avoid the sun, though. The key is “safe exposure,” which involves wearing sunscreen and protective clothing.

Here, Victoria A. Perez, MD, a dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian The One in Westchester, NY, addresses common questions about sunscreen so you can stay safe in the sun all summer long.

People ask ‘Which one should I wear?’ It really depends on the sunscreen that you’re actually going to use — the sunscreen that you’ll use daily is the best one for you.

— Victoria A. Perez, MD, a dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian The One

FacebookX

What Do Sunscreen Labels, Like UVB and UVA, Mean?

That said, “there is no sunscreen that can protect or block 100 percent of UVB rays,” says Perez. However, you have plenty of protective options: “For example, an SPF 30 blocks about 97 percent of UVB, while SPF 50 blocks about 98 percent of UVB,” adds Perez.

What’s the Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen?

If you’re stumped on which type of sunscreen is right for you, don’t sweat it too much.

“People ask ‘Which one should I wear?’” says Perez. “It really depends on the sunscreen that you’re actually going to use — the sunscreen that you’ll use daily is the best one for you, regardless of whether it’s chemical or physical.”

It may take some trial and error to find the sunscreen that meets your needs. You may not like how one particular sunscreen looks or feels on your skin and opt for another. If you’re a person of color, you may prefer a tinted sunscreen, Perez notes, since it contains pigments, such as iron oxide, that can prevent hyperpigmentation, a skin condition that results in dark patches of skin and is more common in darker skin tones.

The one sunscreen nonnegotiable? Go for a minimum of SPF 30.

How Much Sunscreen Do I Really Need and How Often Should I Reapply?

If you’re going to be outside, Perez’ rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours. But it also depends on what you’re doing. If you’re swimming or engaging in physical activity that‘s causing you to sweat a lot, you’ll want to reapply a bit more often.

The good news is that there are many portable options, from facial mists to sunscreen sticks, that make reapplication easier. Just be sure you’re using enough to adequately cover your body or face, and if you’re using a spray, rub it into your skin. A great option is to use lotion for your base application and reapply with spray, says Perez.

Do Makeup Products With SPF Offer Enough Protection?

Plenty of cosmetics, from foundations to skin tints, have built-in SPF. But do they provide adequate protection? While these products may contain a good level of SPF, Perez says they give a false sense of security. “You’re probably not using enough of that product for the sunscreen effects to really be in place,” says Perez.

Does Wearing Sunscreen Really Reduce My Risk of Cancer?

Despite My Best Efforts, I Got a Sunburn — What Should I Do?

Keep cool — especially your skin. “Taking frequent cool baths or showers can help relieve the pain from a sunburn,” Perez explains. “And when you get out of the shower, pat your skin dry and put on a moisturizer that has aloe vera or soy to help soothe your skin.”

You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, in addition to drinking water — lots of it.

It’s normal for a sunburn to be uncomfortable, but if you notice blistering (which can indicate a second-degree burn), in addition to fever or chills, call your doctor, as those symptoms could be signs of an infection. An infection could also develop a few days later, especially if your skin is broken from blisters, so be sure to keep an eye on your symptoms.

The Takeaway

• There is a higher risk of developing sunburn in the summer, which can increase your risk of skin cancer.
• Wearing SPF 30 or higher daily, reapplying every two hours, and using at least two ounces of sunscreen on your face, neck, arms, and legs is an effective way to prevent sunburn.
• If you do get a sunburn, take frequent cool showers or baths, apply lotion with soy or aloe, and head to the doctor if you notice blistering or develop a fever or chills.