bask in these hot tips
5 expert sunscreen tips keep Houstonians from getting scorched this summer
A recent survey on summer skincare and consumer opinions revealed that some people purposely skip sunscreen.
Summer is in full swing in Houston, which makes sunscreen the must-have accessory for those basking in these hot, sunny days.
However, a recent survey on summer skincare and consumer opinions revealed that some people purposely skip sunscreen. Surprisingly, nearly one in three individuals admitted to rarely or never using sunscreen, with more men (57 percent) than women (41 percent) guilty of neglecting their skin protection.
What's behind this intentional disregard for sunscreen? Some simply don't have sunscreen with them when they need it, while others confess to being too lazy or finding it too greasy.
Some even skip sunscreen because they want to achieve a tan more quickly. And a surprising 10 percent of people don't wear sunscreen because they believe their skin doesn't burn.
To shed some light on the subject, CultureMap sat down with Dr. Quynh-Giao Sartor of Westlake Dermatology. We discussed the dos and don'ts of sunscreen to help everyone make informed choices about their skin protection.
A shot glass of sunscreen
Experts unanimously agree that most people use less than half the recommended amount of sunscreen. According to Dr. Sartor, to adequately protect the body, most adults should apply 1 ounce of sunscreen, which is about the size of a shot glass. For the face, a nickel-sized dollop, approximately 0.04 ounces, is the recommended amount.
More than just face and arms
Now, even for those diligent sunscreen wearers out there, it's crucial not to overlook a few commonly neglected areas. According to Dr. Sartor, the lips, feet, and exposed scalp from the hair part are the three spots where most people forget to apply sunscreen.
Keep it flowing
Another essential aspect is sunscreen reapplication — remember, sunscreen isn't a one-and-done deal. Dr. Sartor tells CultureMap, "To ensure it works effectively, it should ideally be reapplied every two hours or immediately after sweating or swimming."
Cloudy days can burn
Even in sun-soaked Houston, plenty of misconceptions surrounding sunscreen still abound.
For example: Many believe they don't need to apply it on cloudy days or that having a "base tan" will protect them from burning. These are indeed myths, notes Sartor: "Wearing sunscreen is essential regardless of cloud cover because UVA radiation can still penetrate through. SPF is still important to protect from the photo-aging events of UVA radiation."
Tans aren't sunblock
"People with baseline tans or medium to deep complexions can experience sunburn if they spend enough time outdoors without adequately applied sunscreen," reminds Sartor.
