HANNIBAL (WGEM) - If you have a camping trip planned this Memorial Day weekend or even a tropical vacation later in the summer, a local dermatologist has advice on how to properly apply sunscreen.
Dr. Linda Cooke, M.D. of Riverside Dermatology, said if you have sunscreen that's over one year old, it's time to toss it out.
She said if you plan to sunbathe, SPF 30 isn't going to block the UV rays enough. Her recommendation is to bump it up to at least SPF 50.
"If you're just going to and from work and you're not going to be outside for a long period of time, S.P.F. 30 is usually high enough," Cooke said. "Most people don't know this, but you should reapply your sunscreen twice. [As in], put on a second layer."
Cooke said she sees patients with sunburns in patches that weren't covered by the spray. She said it's important to apply spray-based sunblock before heading outside to avoid the breeze.
Another reason for sunburn is that people don't reapply enough. She recommends every two hours if you're going to be outside.
"There are some sunscreens that are completely mineral-based," Cooke said. "And, they have UV [A nd B] stabilizers. And, helioplex. So, you'll only have to reapply that one every four hours instead of every two."