The best defense your body has against the suns ultraviolet rays is of course, sunscreen. It is the number one weapon in the war against all skin cancers, including melanoma. Practicing dermatologists associated with the American Academy of Dermatology, strongly advise patients that any sunscreen used is the best sunscreen. Many patients are layering the stick and spray sunscreens on top of their normal sunscreen lotion routine, which works twice as well. The AAD says research explains that using sunscreen daily and correctly can lower our risk of melanoma significantly.
Board certified dermatologist Debra Wattenberg, MD states that patients find it easier to use the sticks of sunscreen under the eyes and on the back of their hands. She goes on to explain that for families with children, the spray sunscreen is easier to use. Dr. Wattenberg also encourages patients to be extra precautious when it comes to using either stick or spray sunscreen because you want to be sure you are meeting yours and your family’s needs when protecting the skin. She recommends that stick and spray sunscreens, along with lotion sunscreen, should be a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. It should also be water-resistant. There are two types of ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun causing sunburn and skin cancer, and “broad spectrum” implies that the sunscreen protects against not just one, but both of those types.
Dr. Wattenberg gave these tips when applying stick sunscreens:
- She suggested that for all areas of skin you want to protect, apply four or more passes back and forth.
- After applying, rub in the sunscreen to get an even amount of coverage.
For correctly applying spray sunscreen, she offers these guiding tips:
- You should be sure you are holding the spray nozzle towards your skin while spraying a generous amount of sunscreen. Mostly every adult requires about an ounce, or shot glass full, of sunscreen.
- You then rub the sunscreen in thoroughly.
- You should avoid inhaling any of the sunscreen as the FDA regulations and guidelines do not apply to spray sunscreens.
- Try not to use spray sunscreens on a windy day.
- Do not apply spray sunscreens close to heat or an open flame. Also, avoid spraying sunscreen while smoking.
Dr. Wattenberg advises wearing protective clothing or seeking shade while out in the sun, even if you are wearing sunscreen. All in all, there is no sunscreen that completely protects you 100% from the sun’s harmful rays so you should also be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, no matter what type of sunscreen you are using.