How To Apply Suncreen The Right Way

I never knew this:

When you apply sunscreen, don't forget to put it along your hair part. What? Yes, your scalp can burn. Wherever you part your hair, remember to rub some sunscreen in there. And if you are bald, your head needs to be shielded from the sun's damaging rays, so sunscreen is essential.

I learned these tips from a dermatologist making the morning TV rounds yesterday. In addition, don't forget to rub sunscreen along the sides of your face. This is actually another simple, but intelligent tip. Most times, we hurry applying the sun lotion, and end up ignoring the entire face and ears.

And use plenty of sunscreen. Don't skimp. You need to apply a lot of it, for it to do its thing, and that is, protection from the UVA and UVB rays. Think of the rays like this: UVA rays affect aging of the skin, and UVB rays affect burning of the skin.

The number one best sunscreen for 2008, according to Consumer Reports:

Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch, 45 SPF. Score: 86/100.
Excellent protection all the way around. Cost: $4.33 per fl. oz.

World-famous plastic surgeon, Dr. Michelle Copeland, swears by her excellent sunscreen product. She created it:

SPF-40 Lotion Mist Sun Block ($30, 4 oz.)
Recommended for: SPF-40 sun protection to block UVA/UVB rays in easy-to-apply spray mist. (http://www.drcopelandskincare.com/)

More advice from Consumer Reports: Choose your sunscreen with the highest protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure the sunscreen is very water resistant or waterproof. And select an SPF of at least 30.

When applying sunscreen, the Food and Drug Administration says a sunscreen works most effectively when:

applied about a half-hour before heading outside
applied liberally on all exposed skin (Many dermatologists suggest at least a teaspoon of sunscreen just for the face.)
reapplied at least every two hours or more often if you're sweating
reapplied after swimming

And most of all, have fun in the sun, but try and avoid the peak burning hours of 10 AM to 4 PM.