How to Catch Summer Rays Without the Burn
How do you protect your kids from the harsh UV rays this summer?
Get can’t-miss family activities sent to you!
Get the Best Family Activities
How often should I reapply?
Sunscreen protects you from the sun, but not forever. Therefore, reapplying it is just as important as putting it on in the first place. Dr. Baxt recommends reapplying every hour or two hours, depending on skin type, SPF of the sunblock, and what you are doing. If you are in the water or sweating, Dr. Baxt recommends one hour. If you are not particularly sweaty, she says two hours is okay. That being said, the more often you reapply, the less likely you are to burn.
Is this still the case if my sunscreen says it is water resistant?
Yes! You still need to reapply every one to two hours.
“They used to say waterproof, but we all know there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen,” says Dr. Baxt. “Now it just says water resistant which basically means, if you are in the water, you have to apply every hour.”
Spray or lotion?
Dermatologists have a preference for lotion sunscreen over spray sunscreen, according to Dr. Baxt. Whether it is the wind blowing it away or not fully rubbed in, more often than not, spray sunscreen is not adequately applied. If you can, use lotion sunscreen and you will be much better off for it.
