Sunscreen problem???

Question

I think I am getting an obsession with protecting myself from the sun and its getting kind of stupid. When I walk outside I put a black leather mask on and the two really big towels on my head so it covers both sides of my face and neck even though i have a mask on and then I put sunglasses on, i know this sounds really stupid, I'm worrying really bad about UVA/UB radiation getting on my face and neck, heres my questions.

When should I use sunscreen and how much should I use when I do use it, I usually put a lot of it on.

Do I need sunscreen when its cloudy and where the sun isnt shinning, I dont usually put on any there when its cloudy, only when its really bright and sunny.

And when I am in the pool I have sunscreen on my face and it feels like its already coming off as soon as I am in the water, is it coming off?

Do I need to use sunscreen in the winter? just when should I?

Im confused as hell and I think this is getting ridiculous, so what do i do, im 15 years old.

Answer 1

Yes, dear, you are getting obsessed and if it continues, you might want to seek some psychiatric help. You definitely want to be protected but it is unnecessary to go to such extremes.

Use sunscreen daily if you know you are going to be outdoors in the summer. In the winter, it would protect you from the sun reflecting off the snow. You don't hear much about sunscreen in the winter as the sun is less intense at that time but it is still wise to use sunscreen.

Use waterproof when in the pool and then there are no fears of it "coming off". Follow the directions on the sunscreen...most will tell you how often to reapply but if not, apply every 2 hours.

Yes, you need sunscreen on an cloudy day in the summer. Believe it or not, some of the worst sunburns occur on cloudy days...usually because people think you can't burn then. Even though the sun doesn't make it through the clouds, the UV rays do.

To make the most of your sunscreen:
use at least an SPF 15
use one designated as broad-spectrum
if you are fair, go higher than SPF 15...15 is not enough
apply 20 minutes before going outdoors so your skin has time to absorb the protection
don't forget to put sunscreen on your ears, nose, neck
don't forget your lips! get a sunscreen lip balm
put sunscreen on BEFORE you put on your bathing suit so you don't burn at the edges of your suit (when it moves while you sit, lie down, run, etc)
if possible, avoid the sun between 11 am and 4 pm when it is at its hottest

On a personal note, I love the Coppertone Oil Free Sunblock Lotion SPF 45. It is not at all greasy and offers broad spectrum protection. and is waterproof! I use it whether I am in water or not because I love all of its features. You might want to try it.

Coppertone also makes Coppertone Oil Free Faces Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 which is specifically for the face but it is not waterproof. I use the above even on my face and have had no problems.

If you have any other questions, feel free to email my by clicking on my avatar.