Sunscreen Q&A

Sunscreen Q&A

Dermatologists answer six common questions about the lotion you slather on to stay sun safe.
Updated:
2009-10-14 13:46
Published:
2006-05-17 00:00
By 
Janet Rowe

Wear sunscreen on cloudy days, too!

4. Do I really need sunscreen on a cloudy day?
CA:
Totally. On a cloudy day, 85 per cent of the radiation can get through.

5. But if I wear a hat, I don't need sunscreen, right?
CA:
Garbage. If you look at the studies, a hat gives you excellent protection for your head and your forehead, and as you go down to your chin it's about an SPF 3. Another thing is that cement and water can reflect up to 80 per cent of the ultraviolet radiation.

6. Besides using sunscreen, what else can I do?
LF:
I actually put sunscreen at the bottom of my list:
1. Plan your day so that you're not outside at the peak UV hours in the middle of the day. You can find the times on The Weather Network.
2. If you are out, look for a clump of trees. If you can get into a place where a couple of tree shadows overlap, you'll get really good shade and that's very protective.
3. Cover up. Wear a hat, and sunglasses that give you good protection around your eyes, and wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
4. Then sunscreen. If you've followed points one to three, you probably only need to put sunscreen on your face because the rest of you is covered. It allows you not to have to goop up all over.

How sun safe are you? Find out by taking our quiz!

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