Dr. Mariana Atanasovski M.D., F.A.A.DMedical Dermatologist

Allure Medical Spa

Summer Skin Safety Tips

• What does SPF mean?• SPF= sun protection factor• A measure of how long it takes

your skin to burn from UVB rays with and without using sunscreen• i.e. If you normally burn in 10

minutes, SPF 15 multiplies that by a factor of 15, meaning you could go 150 minutes before burning

Sunscreen 101

• SPF 15 blocks 93% of all incoming UVB rays

• SPF 30 blocks 97% of all incoming UVB rays

• SPF 50 blocks 99% of all incoming UVB rays

New FDA requirements now suggest SPF 50+ instead of 85,90, 100 due to the negligible added amount of coverage

Is higher SPF better?

• SPF measures UVB rays leading to sunburn

• Look for products containing UVA coverage as well to protect against deeper damage and photoaging

• Both UVB and UVA rays contribute to skin cancers

Look for broad spectrum coverage

• Lab testing shows that people don’t apply enough sunscreen -- the actual “applied SPF” is about half that on the label!

• As a general rule:• 1 ounce = 1 application to body• 1 tsp = face• Add second layer to face and neck

How much sunscreen?

• Apply 15 to 20 minutes before going into the sun • Helps get all the hard to reach areas!

• Reapply every two hours and after swimming

• Use a water resistant formula • New FDA guidelines no longer allow “waterproof” on the labels• “Water resistant” maintains SPF on label after 40 minutes after water

exposure• “Very water resistant” maintains SPF on label after 80 minutes after

water exposure

Sunscreen application tips

• The tips of your ears• Tops of your feet• The back of your hands/legs• Lips• Part of your hair• And, if you have one, your

bald spot

Don't forget the easy-to-miss spots!

• Wide brim hats (at least 4” brim)• Lighter, dense clothing to reflect

sunlight (and bugs!)• Laundering fabric in a Tinosorb-

containing material (SunGuard)• Window Shields• Sun umbrellas• Sunglasses with broadband coverage

Other ways to protect yourself

http://www.coolibar.com/

• Avobenzone• Chemical blocker • Also broad coverage • May cause mild irritation

• Zinc oxide is the broadest range sunscreen on the market • Physical blocker• May leave white residue• Newer formulations are less

opaque• Usually combined with

other ingredients to achieve higher SPF

Which ingredients should I look out for?

• Choose a product that is both oil free and non-comedogenic (non pore clogging)

Acne prone skin

UV rays contribute to skin cancer

Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Melanoma

• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen (protects you from both UVA and UVB rays) with a minimum SPF 30 and reapply often!

• Any new or changing growths should be evaluated by a Board Certified Dermatologist

Sunscreen Bottomline