Tampa dermatologist uncovers sunscreen mistakes as weather heats up

With the weather getting increasingly warmer, and Floridians getting ready to spend their days at the beach or poolside, Tampa dermatologist Dr. Seth Forman is sharing tips people usually overlook when considering sunscreen use.

According to the Tampa dermatologist, because many people are late in their application of sunscreen he recommends applying 30 minutes prior to going outside, and to re-apply throughout the day.

“Spending time in the sun all day can cause major damage to a person’s skin and a common mistake made is one-time application; Sunscreen must be reapplied throughout the day to maintain its effectiveness,” said Dr. Forman. “This is especially important when participating in outdoor activities that make you sweat or when swimming as sunscreen tends to wash off.”

The Tampa dermatologist prescribes a layer of sunscreen at least every two hours, and if you have been in the water, reapply sunscreen immediately after.

Another common sunscreen mistake Dr. Forman cautions against is relying on someone else’s sunscreen to protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Forman says that choosing the appropriate SPF level for your skin is an important step in protecting your skin from sun damage.

“People like to share sunscreen but every skin type is different,” said Dr. Forman. “What might be right for you might not work for others.”

In addition to applying sunscreen, the Tampa dermatologist encourages consumers to consider other precautions including sunglasses, hats and long-sleeved shirts to provide added sun protection. He also warns consumers not to overlook commonly ignored areas when applying sunscreen including the edges of the face, ears and toes.

Dr. Seth Forman is a leading Tampa dermatologist presents innovative treatments and clinical trials for skin conditions like eczema, nail psoriasis and plaque psoriasis.

For more on Dr. Seth Forman, Tampa dermatology or Forman Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute, please visit www.FormanDerm.com.

About Dr. Seth Forman: Dr. Forman is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Tampa, Florida. He was voted the “Best Dermatologist in Carrollwood” in 2011 and 2012 by the Carrollwood News and Tribune. In December 2011, he opened his new Tampa dermatology office, Forman Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute, where he gives psoriasis sufferers access to the latest treatment options, including topical and oral medications, as well as biological and phototherapy. Dr. Forman is one of the few Tampa dermatologists to offer narrowband light therapy, which uses pharmaceutical grade light to suppress psoriasis. He’s also one of the few board-certified dermatologists in the U.S. to use the SRT-100 radiotherapy to treat basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.