March 26, 2001--
Which number is right for you-- 8, 15, 45?
No matter which SPF you pick, chances are you aren't using enough!
News Specialist Debbie Dujanovic talks to a local dermatologist to get some important answers to your burning questions about sunscreen.
Do the numbers boggle your mind? For the straight scoop on SPF, we asked dermatologist Larry Meyer.
"I RECOMMEND PEOPLE WEAR AN SPF 15 IF THEY'RE GOING TO PUT ANYTHING ON. MOST PEOPLE DON'T PUT ON AS MUCH SUNSCREEN AS THEY SHOULD. THEY DON'T PUT IT ON THICKLY ENOUGH."
So lather up with at least 15, says the doctor, a few minutes before you head outside. And use plenty.
He says even casual sun exposure should be blocked with a good dose of sunscreen, and common sense.
DR. LARRY MEYER/DERMATOLOGIST, "THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS PEOPLE AREN'T PUTTING ON CLOTHES AND STAYING OUT OF THE SUN. SUNSCREEN IS LIKE A SEATBELT. IT SHOULD BE USED AS AN ADDITIONAL LINE OF DEFENSE."
DEBBIE DUJANOVIC, EYEWITNESS NEWS: "THE DOCTOR ALSO HAS ANOTHER EXCELLENT RECOMMENDATION. CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATE ON YOUR SUNLOTION. THIS ONE SAYS NOVEMBER OF 1995 --PROBABLY TIME TO THROW IT AWAY. OR LOOK AT THE LOTION ITSELF. THIS ONE'S ALL CLUMPED TOGETHER. YOU EITHER NEED TO SHAKE THIS ONE UP TO MAKE IT WORK RIGHT, OR JUST THROW IT IN THE GARBAGE."
If the bottle's been sitting, the ingredients may separate, and might not protect your skin.
LARRY MEYER, "OUR SKIN DOES AGE AS WE GET OLDER. BUT MOST OF WHAT YOU THINK OF AS OLD SKIN IS REALLY SUN-DAMAGED SKIN."
So here's another number for you -- the sun does most of that damage before a child turns 18.
Simply put, this skin doctor suggest adding SPF to your daily routine.
We also asked the doctor about face makeup that has SPF already in it.
He says you should still use sunscreen under it!
