BDO: Let’s say you don’t happen to have any sunscreen around – maybe you’re just stepping out for lunch really quickly or something like that – are there alternatives to sunscreen that can keep you protected temporarily?
Dr. Ploch: Well, nothing’s as good as sunscreen, but obviously there are times where you may be without it. It’s important to wear sun-protective clothing. So, if you have access to a hat, or an umbrella, or a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, sunglasses are very important. Also, try to stay in the shade as much as possible. The shade doesn’t truly protect us from the UV rays, but we do get some protection. Stay indoors if you can, especially when the sun’s rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. So, those are all things that can be done to kind of help us with sun protection when we don’t have sunscreen. But, sunscreen is so readily available, I tell all my patients keep one at home, keep one in the car, keep one at the gym; if they play any outdoor activities keep one in your golf bag or your gym bag because it’s just so readily available. Sunscreens are relatively inexpensive. You can find something great over-the-counter that’s broad spectrum and that’s at least SPF 30 and that says water resistant on it for relatively inexpensive.
BDO: And SPF 30, at a minimum, that’s what we should look for?
Dr. Ploch: At a minimum SPF 30. Really the key is re-application with sunscreen. So, the number doesn’t matter as much if you’re re-applying it every hour to hour and a half, even two hours when you’re outdoors.
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