Even in cloudy Pittsburgh, the sun poses an everyday risk to your health if you do not have up-to-date sunscreen options on hand. On those days when the weather is rainy or there’s snow on the ground you may not think you need sunscreen but there are still harmful UV rays during all daylight hours. Even if you wear sunscreen, you may not be applying it as consistently as you need or may not be using the correct sunscreen in general. Thankfully, we spoke with two Pittsburgh dermatologists to get the inside scoop on how to use sunscreen year-round to make sure your skin is the best it can be. Here are their sunscreen tips!
About Our Sunscreen Experts
Dr. Marc Liang, MD, is a Pittsburgh board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery. His time in the field has helped him to develop a stance on sunscreen for wide range of skin types he sees. He comes from a line of surgeons allowing him to seek out a long life plan for any of your cosmetic needs.
Dr. Sonal Choudhary, MD, is a Pittsburgh board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist (she reads biopsies) who also specializes in integrated dermatology (based on traditional evidence-based science and an approach from a root cause medicine). She practices at University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Department of Dermatology and also in tele-dermatology (online visits).
Best Sunscreen Tips for Living in Pittsburgh
Why Should You Wear Sunscreen Year-Round in Pittsburgh?
Dr. Marc Liang (ML): It is important to wear sunscreen all year round because you are exposed to harmful light from a variety of sources. This includes the sun as well as indoor lighting, computer lights, and other electronic lights.
Light also comes through windows and reflects off of surfaces even if you’re inside or if it’s an overcast day. Sunscreen is especially important during the summer as people tend to participate in outdoor door activities more during the warmer months.
What SPF of Sunscreen Should You Use?
ML: SPF 50 is a great level of protection for the face and the body.
Dr. Sonal Choudhary (SC): Some people with darker skin may only need a 30 SPF sunscreen depending on their skin’s sensitivity.
When and How to Apply Sunscreen
ML: Making sunscreen a part of your morning skin care routine is a great way to ensure you use it regularly.
SC: Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle, usually you will need to wait 20 to 30 minutes before going into the sun after applying.
Besides sunscreen, you should also take other precautions like wearing a big hat, taking note of reflective surfaces (even grass reflects light), using an umbrella, and taking breaks indoors.
How Long Does Sunscreen Last?
ML: You should reapply sunscreen every two hours that you’re in the sun or sooner if you’re going to be in the water.
Do Babies and Children Need Different Sunscreen?
SC: Look for a kid-friendly sunscreen, these are going to be mineral blockers that have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that make a coating on your skin rather than react with your skin.
These sunscreens are also great for those with sensitive skin like eczema or rosacea.
How to Apply Sunscreen When Wearing Makeup
ML: Tinted sunscreens are a nice choice as they can serve as both sun/light protection and makeup.
SC: When wearing makeup, SPF makeup is a great extra precaution but you still need to apply a base of sunscreen prior to your makeup for most of your protection.
Sunscreen Tips for the Pool or Swimming
SC: Apply water resistant sunscreen only, following the instructions for the reapply time. Most are going to need reapplying after 80 minutes.
You will need to follow the instructions to see how long you need to wait before going into the water, it will usually be around 20 to 30 minutes.
Story by Kylie Thomas / Photo Courtesy of Humphrey Muleba
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.