COMMENTARY

Staying Sun Safe: Confessions of a Former Tanner

Sandra A. Fryhofer, MD

May 03, 2011

Final Thoughts From a Sunscreen Junkie

I have sunscreen lotions, creams, towels, sprays, and roll-ons. I have sunscreen powder with a built-in brush applicator. I even have sunscreen that glitters and one that changes colors. I am always looking for a new gimmick to make wearing sunscreen more acceptable, more fun, and easier to apply. I never go anywhere without a small tube of sunscreen in my pocket or purse. My kids used to call me "the sunscreen blobber." Here's a tip from the blobber. Tell your patients who are parents to use a cosmetics sponge to apply suntan lotion on kids' faces. The sponge is gentler than your finger and more thorough. But remember to apply liberally and often. It takes at least an ounce of sunscreen to adequately cover sun-exposed areas of an average adult wearing a swimsuit.^[23] I am proud to say that my children, now college students, never had a sunburn under my watch. Now, it's up to them.

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Cite this: Sandra A. Fryhofer. Staying Sun Safe: Confessions of a Former Tanner - Medscape - May 03, 2011.

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