MCA COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY CENTER | Newsletters
At MCA Cosmetic Dermatology Center, we know that healthy skin starts with you, whether that's protecting your skin from UV rays or using the right moisturizer. We're here to help. Read our newsletters below to learn about skin care, cosmetic dermatology procedures, common skin conditions and more. Are you Sun Smart? Take this Quiz:
1) When should I apply sunscreen before jumping in the pool?
a) One hour before
b) Twenty minutes before
c) Immediately before
d) Five minutes before
2) How much sunscreen should I apply to my entire body?
a) Handful
b) Fingertip
c) One ounce
d) One squirt
3) When are the sun’s ray the most intense?
a) 8 – 10 am
b) 5 – 7 pm
c) 10 – 4 pm
d) 8 – 5 pm
4) If a sunscreen says “water resistant”, when should I reapply?
a) Never
b) One hour
c) 40 minutes
d) 80 minutes
5) When should I reapply any sunscreen if I stay outside?
a) Never
b) Four hours
c) Two hours
d) Every 30 minutes
Your Burning Questions Answered!:
1) While at the pool with my children this summer I witnessed a mom apply three different sunscreens to her 5 year old son. She started with a spray to his back and stomach. Then she used a stick on his face, and continued with a cream to his arms and legs. I was blown away by her devotion to sun protection. And then……. She let him jump right in! All her efforts washed away. It is recommended that sunscreen be applied 20 minutes before entering the water. (B)
As for her choice of sunscreens, the FDA has recently made changes in order to make it easier for the consumer to choose the proper sunscreen. Sprays are not recommended because it is difficult to determine how much sunscreen actually gets on the skin. Though convenient to spray, it is best to choose a lotion, cream, or gel. Gels are alcohol based and do better in hairy areas. Creams are good for dryer skin, and lotions are good for everyone.
3) When it comes to the proper amount to apply, we recommend one ounce to the entire body. I think we would all agree we tend to skimp with the sunscreen, hence one of the reasons “but doc, I used my sunscreen!” So apply, but apply liberally. I know with my girls they hate looking opaque from the sunscreen. So choose a lotion with micronized zinc oxide. Rubs in smooth and offers great protection. (C)
4) We have all heard, “Mom, do I have to put on sunscreen, it’s cloudy outside?” The answer is unfortunately yes. The ultraviolet rays penetrate through the clouds and can still cause sun damage. Even on snow skiing vacations, sunscreen is required. Snow, sand, and water all reflect the ultraviolet rays and can result in serious sunburns.
It is best to choose activities indoors between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. This is when the ultraviolet rays are most intense. If outdoor activities do occur during these peak hours, remember seek shade, then slip, slap, and slop. Slip on a shirt (solumbra spf 30+ clothes at sunprecautions.com), slap on a hat and sunglasses, and slop on the sunscreen. (C)
(5) The FDA is also changing the “waterproof” claim on sunscreen to “water resistant”. It will state on the bottle whether it offers 40 or 80 minutes of resistance before reapplication is required. Question 4 was a trick question as both answers C and D are correct. Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention! (C & D)
(6) How often on a summer day, or vacation, your kids are outdoor all day? We start their day with sunscreen, but so often forget to reapply. It’s not that we are bad parents, we are just busy making lunches, washing clothes, and pretty much everything else that is required of us. It is important to remember to reapply their sunscreen (and ours) every two hours. Every hour if they are in water. (C)
I know it seems like a lot, and it can be overwhelming, but I speak from experience. I am 44 years old and have had four skin cancers already. When I was growing up, we didn’t use sunscreen. We stayed out all day and burned. My more tan friends used betadine and baby oil to keep that golden bronze. But I’m smarter now, and know that I should seat belt my children, immunize them, make well child doctor visits, and use sunscreen.
Skin cancer is the number one cancer in the United States.
Let’s do our part to help prevent it!
Now you are officially SUN SMART!
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