Avoiding the Summer Sunburn

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Avoiding the Summer SunburnAs summer is approaching, I usually start stocking up on summer essentials. My family likes to spend a lot of time out in the sun, and while we love the sun, often times the sun doesn’t love us back. For that reason, we use a LOT of sunscreen during the spring and summer months. I grew up in the desert and wasn’t so concerned about it in my younger years. In fact, I cringe thinking about all those summers I spent tanning with baby oil, so it’s really important to me now to teach my girls to take care of their skin. 

I have done a lot of research on what types of sunscreen to buy my family, but I needed someone to just tell me, “buy this, don’t buy that.” I asked my friend Brad for some advice. Ok, technically he is Dr. Bradley Hubbard, a board certified plastic surgeon, but he is also a skin expert, and more importantly… a father of two. He takes sun protection very seriously with his family (and patients), and was able to give me some quick advice.

UVA, UVB, SPF, OMG

So many letters – what do they all mean?

Do you know the difference between UVA and UVB rays? I didn’t. Think of it this way: UVB = burn while UVA = aging and cancer

If you and your children never get a sunburn this summer everything is great, right? Well…not really. Not getting a sunburn means you were able to stay poolside for a really long time and soak in many, many more hours of glorious Texas UVA light. Extended exposure to UVA light causes skin cancer and premature aging. Blocking UVA is so much more important than blocking UVB. So look for a sunscreen with broad spectrum UVB/UVA protection.
 
Sunscreens are classified by an SPF (sun protection factor), which refers to their ability to deflect UVB rays. Dr Hubbard suggests that an SPF of less than 15 is worthless and possibly dangerous, UVA protection is never added to these products. You might avoid a sunburn but you are drastically increasing your chances of skin cancer. SPF 30-50 should be what you are looking for and anything over 50 just means 50.

Classic vs. Mineral

Classic sunscreens use chemical active ingredients designed to absorb and dissipate UVA/UVB rays and these formulations need to be applied at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. (Think: just about everything on the shelf at your local Target.)

Mineral sunscreens use mineral active ingredients such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to reflect UVA/UVB rays (think: Babyganics, Honest, etc.) 

Here are some ingredients Dr. Hubbard trusts, these would be listed on the back of the bottle: avobenzone and ecamsule. While these will be on the front of the bottle: Helioplex (Neutrogena), Mexoryl SX (La Roche-Posay), Anthelios (La Roche-Posay).  

Spray Whaaat?Sunburn

Spray sunscreen seems quick and easy to use, but most people aren’t applying it correctly because they are applying it too quickly. Some experts have suggested at least 6 seconds on one body part. The skin should look white not just wet when an adequate amount has been applied. I found out I have been using these incorrectly all along! And Dr. Hubbard says spraying anything alcohol based on your face is a no-no.

UPF Clothing

Did you know the SPF of a plain white t-shirt is only about 10. 10! And if it gets wet (like if someone were to wear it over a swimsuit in a pool) it is even less than that. So definitely look for sun protective clothing, hats and swimwear with UPF included. These items exist in every budget range, and I have found them everywhere from Target, Costco, Wal-Mart, Old Navy and Amazon.

The Bottom line:

  • Look for a sunscreen that is greater than 30SPF with “broad spectrum” on the label.
  • Apply a great deal of it at least 15-30min before sun exposure (before leaving the house, not pool side).
  • Consider clothing with a 30UPF rating.
  • Re-apply to dry skin every 2-4 hours; on the shorter side of this range if swimming.

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Here are a few of my sunscreen favorites so far: COOLA, Neutrogena, Babyganics, Honest.

{Thank you to Dr. Bradley Hubbard, a board certified plastic surgeon from the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute (and both a friend of mine and Dallas Moms Blog) for taking the time to offer up his expert advice for this post!}

3 COMMENTS

  1. GREAT article! I learned something new so early in the morning! Definitely going to share, I think a lot of people have the same misunderstandings!

  2. Excellent article. As a Nutritional Therapist, part of my job is to teach and empower my clients to make “clean” decisions about potential toxins. And our skin is the largest organ of absorption. A big NO to any spray screen. The propellant chemicals will damage our lungs. And I don’t want it sprayed near me in public.
    Check out BeautyCounter, one of the fastest growing truly clean skin care lines. They have a wonderful sunscreen, approved by the EWG.
    ps, I apologize, my website got hacked and I’m working on resolution.

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