The Best Way to Apply Sunscreen to Protect You, Your Children, and Teens

If you are like most families with young or teenaged children, you are concerned about exposure to sun and the resulting sunburn and skin damage potential. You've purchased the latest sunscreen, but what is the best way to apply it to make sure you're getting the maximum benefit? Follow these few suggestions of When, How and Where to apply sunscreen to help increase the effectiveness of your products and hopefully avoid painful and potentially dangerous sunburned skin. WHEN The best time to apply sunscreen is BEFORE you are exposed to the sun. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin can be burned by the noon day sun in as little as 20 minutes. Children can not be counted upon to protect themselves from the sun, so apply liberally and completely while still at home if possible. Once children and teens get to the beach, the swimming pool, or camp they are likely to forget all about sunscreen and, as every parent knows, pulling a young child away from a fun activity usually results in a squirming child and ineffective application. HOW Read the product label carefully. Many sunscreens claim to be "waterproof" or "very water-resistant" but in reality, there are only a handful of waterproof products on the market. If the label instructions say "reapply every hour" or "every 30 minutes" or "after swimming" etc, it is NOT waterproof. Look for a product that says, "8-Hour Waterproof". Follow the application guidelines on your product to receive the most benefit and protection. Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin. Wait 5-10 minutes or so for sunscreen to "set" before dressing or swimming. This is especially important for waterproof products, as they need to dry and bond to the skin to be effective. For day-to-day use, make it a habit to apply sunscreen after your morning shower to your face, arms, upper chest, throat and neck. Even your short drive to work or walk from the parking lot to the office can expose you to harmful rays. WHERE Liberally apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, paying attention to areas around bathing suit straps, edges of sleeves, shorts and necklines. Don't forget your face and neck. (Avoid the area around your eyes) A hat can protect somewhat but you run the risk of sunburn from reflected light, especially from sand, snow and water. If you drive a lot, be sure to cover your arms (especially the left arm) and tops of your hands. Look for a non-greasy formula such as zinc so as to not interfere with your grip. Athletes, swimmers, or anyone spending prolonged time in the sun need to pay attention to the tops of their feet, shoulders, and ears. Collar-bones, knees, and essentially anything else that "sticks out", need to be covered. Also important are the backs of legs and arms as these areas are often overlooked. Check with your doctor or dermatologist for product suggestions if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Use common sense when spending time in the sun so you can have an enjoyable, burn-free summer.