Welcome to Sun School! We are hosting our Sun School Series to educate more on the importance of sun safety. We will feature a dermatologist every month on our blog and on a live Q&A with our founder Melissa Papock.
Cabana Life is passionate about sun protection, and to give you the best information, we reached out to experts in the field, our favorite dermatologists!
We are so excited to feature Dr. Jenny Sobera. She is a Board Certified Dermatologist & founder and owner of Village Dermatology. You can find her practice @villagedermatology on Instagram and Facebook.
Read below to learn Dr. Sobera's tips on sun protection.
Why are you so passionate about sun protection? What is your Sun Protection Story?
"I have had 8 skin cancers, first diagnosed as a dermatology resident, and mostly basal cell carcinoma. They have all appeared in areas where I had significant sun exposure and sunburns throughout my life. I protect my skin well now, but I learned the importance of skin protection from an early age."
What's the number one thing you wish people understood about sun protection? If you could give someone one sun protective tip, what would it be?
“Apply enough and Reapply!!!!! Most people “check the sunscreen box” by applying sunscreen at the beginning of the day. But sunscreen only works as it should if enough is applied AND it’s reapplied every 1-2 hours. The amount an adult should apply should fill a shot glass."
What's the difference between UPF & SPF? How much UV protection does normal clothing provide? What are the benefits of wearing sun protective clothing?
“UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is used to let a person know how much UV light will pass through clothing and onto the skin. Like SPF, the higher the number the better. For example, UPF 50 let’s about 2% of the UV light through. Normal clothing varies in its UPF. The darker and tighter weave, the better. A white t-shirt has a UPF of around 5-10 (lower if wet). One of the benefits of Sun protective clothing is you don’t have to worry about how much you apply or reapplication. You also don’t have to worry about sunscreen allergies. The skin will be better protected. Regular clothing with a high UPF is often unable to be worn in extremes of heat. However high-quality UPF clothing protects very well while being comfortable to wear even on the hottest days.”
You're going to the pool or beach. What's your personal sun protection routine?
“Hat, sunglasses, fully coated in sunscreen (typically with zinc or titanium and including part line in hair, ears, lips), Heliocare (sun protective supplement), and sun protective clothing (UPF 50+) with coverage of chest and back and possibly even a long sleeve rashguard.”
What should someone look for when picking a sunscreen? Do you have any sunscreens you love and recommend?
“I love Elta MD sunscreen. While there are others I love and use, this line offers super protection for all ages, all body parts, all skin types, and all activities. Whether you are putting sunscreen on acne print skin under make up or going out deep-sea fishing all day long, there is a sunscreen for you in the Elta MD line.”
Words of advice from Dr. Sobera:
I have LOVED my Cabana Life swimwear! I feel protected but also stylish and fit. As a mom of 4 and business owner, I don’t have as much time as I would like to shop, and I certainly could exercise more. I often have a hard time finding swimwear that I feel is of high quality, adequately sun protective AND makes me feel confident at the pool and beach.
Missed our Facebook Live Sun School Q&A with Dr. Sobera? Click here to watch it now.
For more dermatologist features, click here.
Dermatologists recommend clothing with sun protection, and Cabana Life offers a variety of dresses, swim, rashguards with UPF 50+.