myFM in the Morning had the chance to speak with Cheryl Rosen, the Head of Dermatology at University Health Network Toronto Western Hospital.
The Month of May was Sunscreen Awareness Month and with the warmer months now upon us, taking care of your skin is vital.
Rosen recommends wear SPF 50 or 60. Health Canada recommends reapplying every 2 hours, but Rosen says it’s good to reapply after 20 minutes, just incase you missed any spots the first time.
Rosen says spray sunscreen is O.K., if that is all you use. Lotion is recommended as it offers a fuller coverage. If you use spray sunscreen, be sure to apply indoors if you can or in a covered spot away from the wind. Also to remember to rub it in! If you don’t you could end up with quite the burn in parts that didn’t get sprayed.
If you do not take care of your skin in the hot months, you put your self at risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
As for how much sunscreen to apply, Rosen says to apply a layer, not too thin but not too thick; but enough to cover the surface of your skin.
In the summer, it would be good to use a hat, sunglasses and a UV shirt to protect yourself from the UV rays.
