Avoiding the Summer Sunburn

As 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. 

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?

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.

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!}