Improve your SPF habits

Most of us have got the message that sun protection is vital, but we're still not getting it quite right. How many people do you know that have sheepishly confessed to having got themselves a sunburn recently? Clearly we need to increase our SPF intelligence. Here's some advice from the experts:

1. Wear more or higher SPF. "Most people apply SPF 15 too thinly to get actual SPF 15 protection, so I recommend SPF 30," says Dr. Nowell Solish, medical director of cosmetic dermatology at Espada Medical Spa in Toronto. "Use half a soda-capful for face and neck, one capful for each upper limb and two each for back, torso and lower limbs." Be sure to give attention to the nose, ears, hairline and the back of the neck. It's also important to wait 15 to 20 minutes before swimming.

2. Re-apply regularly. To some, a high SPF of 45 or 60 makes them think they can stay out in the sun all day without re-applying. "Sunscreens lose effectiveness after exposure to the sun," advises Dr. Kucy Pon, dermatologist and special consultant to Olay. "Re-apply every three hours if you're going to be outside for an extended period of time."

3. Avoid the sun's strongest hours. "The sun's rays are most dangerous to the skin between 11 am and 4 pm," says Dr. Danielle Marcoux, consulting dermatologist for Ombrelle. "If you can, plan outdoor activities before or after that stretch of time, or be extra vigilant with SPF application and re-application."

4. Wear SPF on cloudy days. "On cloudy and even rainy days there is still sufficient UVA and UVB exposure to cause skin damage, including a sunburn," warns cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett of DLK on Avenue in Toronto. "Regardless of weather conditions, always wear sunscreen to ensure that your skin is protected."

5. Be aware if you are more vulnerable to sun damage. Be extra careful if you're expecting (the sun can aggravate pregnancy mask or melasma); using anti-acne medication, whether orally or topically; or have had or are regularly having anti-aging cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels or IPL (intense pulsed light). "These treatments all remove the top layer of the stratum corneum, making skin even more vulnerable to sun damage," explains Dr. Paul Cohen, director of the Rosedale Dermatology Centre in Toronto.

Got more questions about sunscreen? Get the scoop from Homemakers magazine.