Happy Memorial Day girls!
Now that it's the unofficial start of summer, we know you're all hoping for lots of long, lazy days at the beach and the pool -- but it's super important to be safe when you're in the sun! We talked to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy Derick from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), who debunked a few tanning myths and shared her most important tips for sun safety!
1. Wear an SPF of at least 30!
"SPF of 15 doesn't give enough protection so we recommend an SPF of 30," Dr. Derick advises.
2. Reapply, Reapply, Reapply!
"You don't get a true SPF of 30 unless you reapply every hour and a half or so. Also, if you're wearing makeup, there's a way of powdering on sunscreen -- Colorescience has one -- you can sprinkle it on after you've done your base layer so you don't mess up your makeup when you reapply sunscreen!" she says.
3. The problems AREN'T just in the far-off future!
"Right away it's more cosmetic problems -- you can get an ugly color, blotchiness, brown spots or freckles from the sun. Plus, if you get a painful burn it hurts and can leave a mark! And then as you get older you can start to show wrinkles, uneven tones and of course can develop cancer," Dr. Derick tells TWIST.
4. Sunscreen alone isn't enough!
"Make sure you wear hats, and if you have a summer job like lifeguarding, you need to make sure you are under an umbrella. Even if you're wearing sunscreen, if you're outside all day it's still not 100% protective," Dr. Derick says.
5. You don't need a base tan!
"We get the base tan issue a lot before people go on vacation. The base tan has an SPF of about 5, so you do get some protection from burning but it's not very much and it's still damaging to the skin. So in my opinion it's not a good idea. I don't like the idea of a base tan -- especially not from a tanning bed!" she tells us.
And the most important message Dr. Derick had about sun safety for teenage girls?
"The number one thing for you to know is that if you practice sun safety early you can prevent a lot of damage -- both cosmetic issues but also skin cancer. You don't want to be in a situation where you're fighting for your life in your late 20s or early 30s." she stresses.
For more info on sun safety, you can visit the AAD's SPOT skin cancer website. Plus, make sure to check out our upcoming summer issues for more safe sun coverage!
Have a great weekend TWIST girls, and remember to be safe! Also, make sure to pick up our June issue, on stands now, where we answer your Burning Beauty Questions!
XOXO,
Kelly
Photo courtesy of ABC Family