Last updated : Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Print | |

 

Practice Safe Sun

No caption available

Whether you're Snow White or seriously tanorexic, it's important to know the right way to protect yourself from the sun. We stopped by to chat with America's leading Park Avenue dermatologist, Dr. Neal Schultz to get some "safe-sun" suggestions.

What are the top tips for playing it safe in the sun?

1. Use the correct sunscreen and use it every day, even if it's cloudy or raining. Find out how to pick a good sunscreen and apply it correctly below.

2. Don't skimp on the sunscreen! Apply enough to cover your body and face and reapply every time after you swim, play sports that cause perspiration and even reapply every 3 to 4 hours if just sitting under a tree reading.

3. Avoid the outdoors during "peak" sun hours. Try to do your sports activities before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. when the sun isn't as strong.

4. Cover up. Wear at least a baseball style hat when possible to help protect your precious facial skin.

5. Follow the shadow rule. When a person's shadow is shorter than the person is tall, the intensity of damaging UV rays from the sun is more likely to cause sunburn and other sun damage.

How do I pick the right sunscreen?

1. Pay attention to the SPF. Choose an SPF from 15 (minimum) to 30 (greater than 95% protection from UVB burning rays) with "Broad Spectrum Protection" or "UVA Protection".

2. For the face, it must be appropriate for your skin type. People with oily skin or acne need oil-free or water-based products and people with dry skin need emollient sunscreens that are not gels or alcohol-based).

3. Quality counts. It absolutely MUST feel pleasant to the touch on your skin because if it doesn't you will be less inclined to reapply it and no sunscreen will work if it's not frequently reapplied.

What is the right way to apply sunscreen?

1. Use enough to cover your entire face and body. You want to reapply after any physical activity, or every 3 to 4 hours.

2. Apply when you get up in the morning, EVERYDAY. Try and do it at the same time you wash your face and brush your teeth so it becomes part of your daily hygiene. Also remember, it takes 1/2 hour for "chemical" sunscreens (the ones without Zinc or Titamium) to work.

To find out some of our favorite sun screens and products, and to see some tanning "don'ts" from the iMag staff, be sure to check the Beauty-Full Blog.  And for more beauty advice, tips and tricks, click here.

Dr. Neal Schultz, M.D., has a 30-year track record for giving New York women and men glowing, beautiful skin. His unique approach, provides a breakthrough method for achieving gorgeous skin. From his practice, Park Avenue Skin Care, to his proprietary therapeutic skincare products, to his book "It's Not Just About Wrinkles",  to his online video show www.DermTV.com, Dr. Neal Schultz enjoys sharing his years of knowledge and practical know-how not only with his clientele, but women all across America.

 

Print | |