Dermatologist recommendation: Mineral sunscreens over aerosols

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — While the first day of summer is still a month away, it's already starting to feel like summer in some regions.

It's a kid's least favorite thing to do before jumping in the pool: putting on sunscreen. Taking the time to apply sunscreen before spending time outdoors can be beneficial to a person's health.

Charleston dermatologist Dr. Kim Rossi said even with cloud cover, the sun's UV rays can potentially burn skin in less than an hour.

"About 80% of the UV rays actually come through even when you think they're not with overcast and the clouds," Rossi said. "Or they reflect off the city surfaces, the sand. They reflect up to your umbrella. I hear that over and over again. 'Oh, I didn't think that I would get burnt.'"

Beckley teacher Brittany McGuire said she wears sunscreen on her face every day. After spending more time outside than she had planned to recently, McGuire got burned.

"I was out on the playground for a very long time and I hadn't thought to apply sunscreen that day because I didn't realize I would be outside for so long," McGuire said. "I got a pretty good sunburn on my shoulders and the back of my neck."

Rossi recommends SPF 50 for everyone, and she said lotion sunscreen is always better than aerosols.

"A mineral sunblock is a little superior, in my opinion, than the chemicals," Rossi explained. "It's going to be in the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Those are safer in general for the person wearing them and for the environment."

Rossi said aerosol sunscreens don't stick to the skin as well as lotions do.

Reapplying sunscreen every few hours isn't just something your parents forced you to do, but Rossi said it's vital to keep you and your skin healthy.

"A little bit of sun is good for us all," Rossi said. "Once you go past a little bit of sun to get your natural vitamin D and things that our bodies need, then you need your sunscreen."