More Tips From Dermatologists
The dermatologists we polled had the following advice for their peers:
As a dermatologist married to a pediatrician, I try to get my kids to embrace sun-protection strategies. For the little ones it’s hard, but as they have gotten older and been exposed to more derm journals sitting around with pretty graphic pictures, they seem to get on board, even when away at summer camp on their own. If only our patients knew what our kids do.—Joel L. Cohen, MD (Denver, Colorado)
The most important factor in getting patient compliance with sunscreen usage is “cosmetic acceptance.” If they or their children or their spouse don’t like the feel, they won’t use it.—Vincent A. DeLeo, MD (Los Angeles, California)
Not using photoprotection with sunscreen is like crossing a busy road without looking both ways first.—James Q. Del Rosso, DO (Las Vegas, Nevada)
I do not recommend spray sunscreens. At least half of the spray seems to go in the air rather than on the skin. And people often do not rub the spray into their skin well enough. Lotions are better!—Lawrence J. Green, MD (Washington, DC)
The most important factor in sunscreen is not SPF; educate patients on the important role vehicle and sweating play in the length of sun protection.—Orit Markowitz, MD (New York, New York)
Reapplying sunscreen in the appropriate amount is key to blocking the danger rays of the sun.—Vineet Mishra, MD (San Antonio, Texas)
A good sunscreen is the one you put on properly. Regardless of the formulation, make sure you apply the sunscreen evenly to all exposed skin and reapply according to directions on the container. Remember, a regular white T-shirt has minimal SPF 4-5. Either wear sun-protective clothing or wear sunscreen underneath!—Larisa Ravitskiy, MD (Gahanna, Ohio)
Sun protection and sunscreen application go hand-in-hand. We can still enjoy the outdoors without getting excessive UV exposure.—Anthony M. Rossi, MD (New York, New York)
Sunscreens are only part of sun protection. Make sure to reapply them regularly, try to avoid direct sun between about 10 AM and 2 PM if possible, and wear a hat with a wide brim (not a baseball cap, which, after all, is designed for catching baseballs, not sun protection).—Robert I. Rudolph, MD (Wyomissing, Pennsylvania)
Sunscreens keep you younger looking longer!—Richard K. Scher, MD (New York, New York)
The dentist says only floss the teeth you want to keep. I tell patients to only sun block the skin they want to keep.—Daniel M. Siegel, MD, MS (Brooklyn, New York)
The best sunscreen is the one that is used! If it's too greasy or drying, smells bad or stings, it won't be used. Stick to the one YOU like, but at least SPF 30 or better.—Stephen P. Stone, MD, (Springfield, Illinois)
Sunscreen can be a meaningful part of your sun-protection regimen used in conjunction with sun-protective clothing, sun safe behaviors, and a diet rich in natural antioxidants.—Michelle Tarbox, MD (Lubbock, Texas)
About This Survey
The survey was fielded electronically to Cutis Editorial Board Members within the United States from August 2, 2018, to September 2, 2018. A total of 42 usable responses were received.