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Dermatologist Sunscreen Tips from Dr. Elizabeth Hale

Sun Safe Dermatology Tips

A dermatologist answers sunscreen questionsDr. Elizabeth Hale is a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NYU. Dr. Hale specializes in skin cancer and in particular Mohs Surgery to treat skin cancer, so you know she has a huge interest in prevention with sunscreen!

What do you tell your patients about the importance of sunscreen?
In general, dermatologists urge everyone to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every single day. While UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and are especially abundant in the warm summer months, UVA rays are present year-round and can pass through clouds and windows.

Does the release of this new sunscreen make advising your patients easier?
Absolutely, as an athlete myself CT Sport with Replenishing Antioxidants helps enhance the skin’s natural defenses against UV radiation during outdoor activity, which makes it a great choice for active patients.

In your mind, what are the most important features to look for in a sunscreen?
Broad-spectrum protection; UVA-blocking ingredients like photostabilized avobenzone on the label. The most important sunscreen is the one you will use every day.

In the event of a sunburn, what do you advise patients to do?
If you do slip up and get a sunburn, make sure to stay out of the sun until you have healed completely. I recommend taking an NSAID (Advil or Motrin) and keeping the skin moist with a good soothing moisturizer (maybe one with aloe) while it heals.

Best Sunscreen Information
Find more information about how sunscreens work, application tips and product reviews in my sunscreen guide

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About Me

I’m a doctor, a mommy and a bit of a beauty addict. If you let me, I can take 2 hours to get ready in the morning. Really. I'm on a quest for faster beauty that works!

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4 Comments

  1. 6.18.10

    Milk and water compresses are also good sunburn soothers…

  2. 6.18.10
    Anonymous said:

    Christine,
    I agree, the best sunscreen in the one your willing to wear every day. UVA is out all day all year and causes wrinkles and age spots, so daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen is the best antiaging skin care step a person can add to their daily beauty routine. For extensive sun exposure I also recommend using physical sun protection with clothing, hat etc. More shopping opportunities!
    Warm Regards,
    Cynthia Bailey MD
    http://www.otbskincare.com/blog/

  3. 6.21.10
    Tanya said:

    Hi…I am so happy I stumbled across your blog! I have been a makeup artist for the past ten years or so and I have never stumbled across anyone who has quite your same perspective and experience…a doctor who gives beauty advice…it's brilliant really 😀 Much luck to you, and I enjoy reading your posts!

    ~Tanya
    http://tanyaelaine.wordpress.com/blog/

  4. 6.22.10

    Sunscreen is very good to protect from UVA and UVB, Is there any side effect of using sunscreen all they day and after how many hours we should apply it again.