I'm old enough to remember when the first studies came out linking sun exposure to cancer, and when the first sunblocks came out. Before that it was all "tanning lotions" that claimed to protect you from burning and nobody cared about SPF.
I'm a very pale person, and my skin has three settings: burn, freckle, and blindingly white. So the advent of SPF 50 has actually been a good thing for me because I can go to the beach without roasting like a chicken. One of the major risk factors for skin cancer is a serious, blistering sunburn in childhood. I had a couple, and I am making sure my kids don't. So people like my dad can roll their eyes at my liberal use of sunscreen for both me and my kids, but I know we're doing the right thing.
Unfortunately, a lot of people don't know how to use sunscreen properly. Here are the key facts to remember:
Do: Use a lot...at least a shot glass worth, more if you are bigger or going to have a lot of exposed skin, such as on the beach.
Don't: Forget your (and your kids') neck, ears, lips, and the tops of your feet (my husband has a sunburn on his feet right now)!
Do: Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside, and you should wait even longer before you go in the water.
Don't: Think waterproof sunscreens protect you all day...you still need to apply at least once every two hours, and more often if you're sweating or swimming.
Do: Protect yourself further with sunglasses, a hat, and long sleeves if you're going to be out for a long time.
Don't: Assume you only need it if you burn easily. Skin of all colors can be damaged from sun exposure!
And another pro tip from me: If you use a retinol product, make extra double super sure your face is well-protected. Retinols make your skin more sun-sensitive and even if your makeup or moisturizer typically protect you, add another layer of sunscreen just to be safe!
What's your favorite sunscreen? And how often do you use it?
Quoting fraujones:I've been using this stuff:
It scores well on the "safe sunscreen" list: http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/
I don't put it on me, but I load my kids up from head to toe and keep reapplying it throughout playtime. I like the clear spray kinds.
I like Aveeno Baby for my kids SPF 55 or Waterproof Coppertone for kids SPF 60 for beach days. On myself I have never had a burn ever, but I do use SPF 30 Neutrogena Face Moisturizer and if I go to the beach I use a sport spray, I think its Banana Boat SPF 30 and waterproof.
Quoting onecuteladybug2:I usually just look for the one with the highest SPF.
I've had skin cancer before. I only use natural ones on myself and my kids now that I know what's in them. We use All Terrain Kidsport 30 spf from Whole Foods. Expensive but works great.
Quoting mom2cuteez:
Yep we use this on the boys or the avon skin so soft with bug guard. I am impressed. We were at the beach all day and I didn't even get pink. My middle is very sensitive and we can only use these two.
Quoting fraujones:I've been using this stuff:
It scores well on the "safe sunscreen" list: http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/
Quoting malexander2009:
I have yet to find a sun screen me and my oldest don't break out from
Picture Post! Show me your kiddos
- AmyKuras
on Jun. 21, 2012 at 12:00 AM