Video:Best Practices for Sunscreen

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Transcript:Best Practices for Sunscreen

Hi, I'm Lynn Reynolds for About.com and today I'm going to show you some sunscreen "best practices" to assure that your sunscreen is really working for you.

Use Sunscreen During Overcast Weather

Always apply your sunscreen one half hour before you go out, to allow it time to absorb. When out in the sun, reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours. It's easy to remember this on a beautiful warm day at the beach. But the sun's rays can damage your skin at other times, too. It may be a  a windy cold day, and you're  bundled up for a fall stroll. You can't feel the heat of the sun on your face, so it's easy to forget that the sun's rays are still going strong. Even in the cold months, you still need to use sunscreen.

Apply thoroughly, being sure to get areas like where your skin meets your clothes, and the sides of your nose. On a similar note, even it's cloudy and overcast the sun's rays come through.  So apply, sun or clouds. And don’t' forget your lips; they need sun protection too. Use an lip balm with an Spf of at least 15, and reapply regularly.

Protect Yourself with Sunscreen During Morning Hours

We all go outside for brief periods; to take a little time in the sun, or have that afternoon coffee break from work. It's easy to forget to put on sunscreen before these outings, but very important, because even for a short time, or in cloudy weather, the sun's rays can still cause damage. 

Be sure to apply sunscreen before you go out for that early morning exercise. Though the sun's rays are strongest from 10-2, they're still powerful early and later in the day. Always reapply after any activity that makes you sweat. It's easy to keep a travel size bottle with you almost anywhere you go. And of course, When the sun is high, between the hours of 10-2, be especially careful to keep yourself protected. Even 10 minutes in the midday sun can cause lasting skin damage.

Reapply Sunscreen After Sweating or Swimming

If you spend time in the water, or towel off after exercise, reapply sunscreen. "sweat proof" sunscreen is better for staying on during the activity, but you should always reapply after you're done, regardless of the type of sunscreen you use. There are many types of sunscreen--lotions, sprays, sticks. The most important factor is the SPF rating, and that  it protects against UVA and UVB rays. Most dermatologists recommend an SPF of 30. You can go higher than that if you wish, but keep in mind that you still need to limit your sun exposure to protect your skin.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com