The summer beach and pool season officially kicks off this Memorial Day weekend. You know you need a good sunscreen to protect your skin when you're out soaking up rays, but all the sunscreen options can be overwhelming. Here is some advice for choosing the right sunscreen for you and your family.
The American Academy of Dermatology says you should look for sunscreen with the following three things:
- SPF of 30 or higher
- Broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB)
- Water resistance
If you look at a bottle of sunscreen, you should see all three of those properties listed on the label. These factors are important for offering protection against skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most serious kind of skin cancer.
But beyond those three properties, there are other considerations as well. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you'll want a sunscreen that doesn't clog pores. But if your skin is dry, a sunscreen with moisturizer might be more appropriate. If you have sensitive skin, or a skin condition like rosacea, then you'll want to use a sunscreen that contains only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
At the Skin Institute and Laser Center, we carry several different sunscreen products and can help you choose the right one for your skin type. Come see us at 7208 Hodgson Memorial Drive, and we'll be glad to talk with you about skin care and skin protection, so you can enjoy your summer outdoors without sacrificing the health and beauty of your skin!