Your Tricky SPF Questions—Answered
Your teacher said it in second grade, and it still hold true today - there are no stupid questions. This is definitely the case when it comes to protecting your skin. You might think the world of sunscreen should be cut and dry, but do you really want to end up with a painful burn and wrinkles down the line just because you thought you knew what you were doing but really didn't? Here, we answer those burning SPF questions for summer, from the ones you might not even thought about to the ones you though you knew the answer to.
SPF Question #1: My sunscreen makes me break out. What ingredients should I avoid?
Usually, acne caused by sunscreen is not from the chemicals that provide the sun protection, but secondary to the vehicle in the sunscreen, says Eric Schweiger, M.D. Try to find sunscreens that say they are "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic." Related: How to Be Acne-Free Forever
SPF Question #2: How often should I reapply sunscreen?
If you are going to be outside in the sun for a prolonged period of time, you should reapply an SPF every 1-2 hours, Schweiger says. Be sure to use SPF 30 or over and remember that chemical sunscreens, such should be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure so they have time to be absorbed. If you are going to be swimming or excessively sweating, reduce the above reapplication times by half. Related: 14 Skin Secrets You Definitely Don't Know
SPF Questions #3: I have oily skin and my SPF lotion makes it worse. Is there a different formula I should try?
"Try sunscreens that come in 'gel' form," says Schweiger. "These tend to be a little drying and are thus good for oily skin. Avoid heavy cream or greasy sunscreens." Related: Liquid Makeup for Oily Skin
SPF Question #4: How much sunscreen should I really be using on my body?
"Coat your body in a thin, even layer; there's no need to frost yourself like a cupcake," explains Noah S. Heftler, MD, clinical instructor in dermatology at Weill Medical College. Related: Hot Weather Beauty Tips and Top Travel Products
SPF Question #5: What the heck do those SPF numbers even mean?
An SPF of 1 means that your skin covered in SPF 1 would turn red in about 20 minutes; SPF 2 would require 40 minutes, and so on, says Michael F. Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., authors of YOU: Being Beautiful. The most common reason for sunscreen failure is using inadequate amounts. So lather up! Related: How to Avoid a Sunburned Scalp
Related Links
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
