better HEALTH
Q:
e i g h t d a y s . N o w I h a v e s u n s p o t s o n m y
u p p e r lip a n d c h e e k s . I w a s c a r e f u l t o u s e
S P F 5 0 s u n b l o c k . W h a t h a p p e n e d ?
A:
It sounds like you used either the wrong kind or not enough
sunscreen. SPF measures protection against UVB, the sun’s
burning rays, not UVA, the sun’s tanning/freckling/aging rays.
Although there is currently no clear standardized measurement
on sunscreens for protection against UVA, look for lotions
containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone, or
mexoryl. Apply
30
minutes before going outside and reapply
every one to two hours while outdoors and after swimming.
Reapply to lips after eating or drinking. A hat and umbrella help,
as does heading indoors during midday sun. Depending on the
type, dark spots can be treated with a laser or topical retinoids.
HEIDI A. WALDORF, M.D.
Dr. Waldorf is director
of Laser and Cosmetic
Dermatology at The
Mount Sinai Medical
Center and has a private
practice in Nanuet,
New York.
ASK ABOU T THE LATEST FITNESS TRENDS,
or perhaps about your child’s health. E-mail your
question to us at
B H G fe a tu re s @ m e re d ith .c o m .
We’ll
select one question every issue and ask our health
advisory panel to answer it. (Sorry, the doctors are
not able to respond to all your questions personally.)
2 2 8 MAY 2010 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
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