Ever wonder, does sunscreen really expire? How much do I really need to put on before heading outdoors? Check out these helpful sunscreen tips and find out!
- Be sure to put on at least 1 oz of sunscreen (about the amount in a shot glass) to cover your body. You want to put on a nice, thick coat so you are well-protected from the sun.
- Always put on sunscreen 10 to 15 minutes before going outside. This gives it a chance to absorb into your skin.
- Choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. Pick one labeled “baby” sunblock with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to protect against UV-A and UV-B Rays.
- Sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every two hours. You may need to reapply more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Sunscreen degrades with age, so always check the expiration date before using.
About Thomas Rosenfeld, MD, Chief of Dermatology
Dr. Thomas Rosenfeld was always interested in science as a child, so it’s no surprise that he decided to go into medicine. Before his undergraduate years, he worked in a hospital emergency room to get an idea of what aspect of medicine interested him most. It was during his medical school education that he decided on dermatology. He was on morning rounds, in 3rd year, at the VCU hospital when a woman was being treated for blood...
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