Dermatology Blog

Are you ready for summer, Friend? Not without proper protection! 

With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to brush up on your seasonal sunscreen safety. We’ve got a few tips to help prepare you for the fun times ahead—so you can enjoy your summer to the fullest.

Here are seven factors to consider when selecting your sunscreen of choice: 

1. ⏱️ SPF Level: Although there are plenty of intensities out there, our dermatologists recommend sunscreen with an SPF 40 or higher to get decent coverage. Remember to reapply regularly to maintain your protection throughout the day.
2. 🧪 Chemical vs Mineral: Sunscreen ingredients either chemically filter harmful rays or physically block them with minerals like zinc oxide. Both options are safe and block the rays. For best coverage, we prefer a product with a mix of both chemical and physical—but it comes down to personal preference.
3. 💧 Water & Sweat Resistance: Depending on which summer activities are on your agenda, you may want to opt for a sunscreen that will stick around after a splash or two. Look for something that’s advertised for athletic and water activities.
4. 🍶 Application Method: Lotion, gel, powder, or aerosol—whatever you choose, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. But if you’ll be reapplying in windy conditions, it might not be a good idea to trust a powder or spray-on.
5. 🎭 Skin Type: If your skin is sensitive to certain conditions, you might look for a sunscreen that’s specifically designed for comfort. There are options available for dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin types, especially in sunscreens for the face.
6. 🌎 Eco-Friendliness: Certain sunscreen chemicals are banned from use in locations with protected wildlife like corals, fish, and endangered species. If you’re thinking of taking a swim in a tropical location, check if there are any sunscreen rules you should be aware of.
7. 💄 Tinted: Many mineral-based sunscreens leave a milky look after application, especially on melanin-rich skin. Tinted sunscreens include pigments to counteract that—and can also substitute (or layer up with) your foundation for an even, glowing base. Bonus: tinted sunscreens are the best option if you have melasma.

If you’re looking to stock up on sunscreen—and maybe replenish some other skincare products before you head to the vacation cottage—check out the Compass Dermatology Online Shop. We’ve got plenty of dermatologist-approved options to protect your skin this season.

SHOP SUNSCREENS

Don't Forget to Check Your Skin

No matter how well you protect your skin during the summer, it’s always important to regularly check for signs of melanoma. Once a month, take a good look at your skin from head to toe and follow the ABCDEs to spot potential warning signs: 

• A: Is it asymmetrical?
• B: Are the borders inconsistent or irregular?
• C: Does the spot contain multiple colours?
• D: Is the diameter more than 6mm?
• E: Has there been any evolution (change) recently?

It might be time to get a professional opinion if you answered “yes” to any of these questions—especially if there's been a significant change within the past month. Remember, skin cancers like melanoma are highly treatable when addressed early, so don’t wait.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANOMA