Summer Skin Care

If you finally get the chance for a little "vacation" time at the beach or a friend's pool, you may be too excited to remember how to properly care for your skin.

For example, if it's overcast, you may think you don't need to put on any sunscreen.

That's far from the truth; you actually have an increased risk of burning during cloudy days.

How do you know which sunscreen to use?

When choosing a sunscreen, look for a high SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, which blocks out 97% of UVB rays and which is typically recommended for everyday usage. A higher SPF may be recommended for outdoor activities.

Always look for "broad spectrum" on the SPF label as an indicator of protection against UVA and UVB, both of which contribute to skin aging and skin cancer.

What happens if you apply sunscreen but end up getting sunburned anyway? What are some ways to help ease your burn?

Julia Tzu, MD, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to keep your skin healthy during the summer months.