“I live in Florida, and I’m outside a lot. I bike ride, I kayak. For me, sun protection is first and foremost.”
– Susan H. Weinkle, MD, a Board Certified dermatologist with over 30 years of experience
Shopping for Sunscreen
1. Invest in quality. “If you’re going to spend money on anything, invest in a really good quality sunscreen, with an SPF of at least 30. When it comes to skincare products, that is where your money is best spent.”
– Dr. Weinkle
2. Make sure the label says “broad spectrum.” “The are two types of UV rays: UVA rays, and UVB rays. We used to think only UVB rays were important. We know that UVBs cause skin cancers. We’ve learned that UVAs causes aging. It’s easy to remember: A is for aging! When you look at a sunscreen label you want to make sure it says “broad spectrum.” The number on the label, which tells you the SPF, should be 30 or higher. You want to block UVA, as well as UVB.”
– Dr. Weinkle
3. Learn the difference between “chemical” and “physical.” “There are different types of sunscreens: there are chemicals, and there are physical blockers. Micronized titanium dioxide is an example of a physical blocker. You have to decide if you’re a person who is okay with chemicals, or if you want a physical block that just sits on the top of the skin and blocks the penetration.”
– Dr. Weinkle
Dr. Weinkle’s Personal Sunscreen Habits: “I sometimes use a mineral blocker on my face. I like ones that have a little bit of tint because they don’t make you look streaky and bright. On the rest of my body I use a chemical blocker.”
Daily Use
1. Apply an adequate amount. “A little dollop of sunscreen won’t protect your skin. To provide adequate protection for the whole body you need one whole shot glass -worth of sunscreen.”
– Dr. Weinkle
2. Reapply. “You have to reapply every two hours. If you don’t, you get a false sense of security, and that’s terrible. If you put that sunscreen on once in the morning and you think you’re good for the day, you’re not. One application is not enough for the day. If you go home and stand naked in the mirror and your sun exposed skin is darker than the rest of your body, then clearly your sunscreen is not working.”
– Dr. Weinkle
3. Don’t let your sunscreen go to waste. “Generally speaking, most sunscreens have a shelf life of about three years, but, if you’re applying adequate amounts, and if you’re an outdoor person, no sunscreen should last that long.”
– Dr. Weinkle
Dr. Weinkle’s Favorite Sunscreen Brands: “I particularly am in favor of L’Oreal products, and Neutrogena products, as well. Both companies have very good science behind their ingredients. I like that many of the products are not sticky or tacky. Compliance with wearing sunscreen is a big problem, so if it’s elegant when you put it on, people will be less likely to dread wearing it.”
– Dr. Weinkle
Dr. Weinkle specializes in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and cosmetic dermatology. She is an assistant clinical professor of Dermatology at the University of South Florida and she frequently lectures at national and international dermatology meetings. Dr. Weinkle has been on the Board of Directors and chaired numerous committees in these organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatology Foundation, and Florida Society of Dermatology for Dermatologic Surgery.