Understanding sunscreen options

Summer is practically here. You’re in the drugstore, staring at the endless options of sunscreen in front of you. There’s spray and lotion, chemical and mineral, and SPFs ranging from 15 to

90. You know you need to wear sunscreen — but how do you pick one, and why is it so important?

“There is a direct relationship of sun exposure to skin cancer,” Kettering Health surgical oncologist Rebecca Tuttle, MD, FACS. “Frequent sunburns and sun exposure markedly increase your risk of skin cancer.”

Dr. Tuttle suggested the following to protect your skin against the sun:

■ Apply broad spectrum sunscreen — at least SPF 30.

■ Use at least one ounce of sunscreen per application.

■ Reapply sunscreen every 1.5 hours or after getting wet or working out.

“There is no such thing as ‘waterproof ’ sunscreen,” Dr. Tuttle said. “There are ‘water resistant’ options, and those still require reapplication.”

And “absolutely” do not use tanning beds, she said.

Spray or lotion?

While both sprays and lotions are beneficial, Dr. Tuttle said she prefers lotions.

Creams and lotions are good for your face, and stick sunscreens are good for around the eyes.

If opting for a spray sunscreen, don’t use it on your face, and make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area when applying, Dr. Tuttle said.

“Spray sunscreen can be convenient because it helps you reach hard-to-get-to places and can be faster,” she said. “However, you want to be very careful about not inhaling it.”

And while spray sunscreen is convenient, especially for use on kids, it can be hard to know if all areas of the skin have been covered, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Chemical or mineral sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens rub into your skin and prevent UV rays from acting on your skin cells. Mineral sunscreens are applied in a thick, solid layer and provide a barrier to the sun, Dr. Tuttle said.

“Both have benefits,” Dr. Tuttle said. “Some people have sensitive skin and have difficulty with skin irritation with chemical sunscreens. For these people, mineral sunscreens would work better.”

Mineral sunscreens are also more environmentally friendly — some components of chemical sunscreens can be harmful to coral reefs if swimming in the ocean.

If you get a sunburn

If you’ve end up with a sunburn, Dr. Tuttle had the following suggestions:

■ Use aloe vera gel for cooling.

■ Use a gentle lotion on the skin.

■ Take a cool shower to relieve pain.

■ Use anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen.

■ Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.