SUMMER SUNSCREEN TIPS

Dr. Stephen Finical, a surgeon with Charlotte Plastic Surgery, shares his top tips for surviving the summer without damaging your skin. 

Timing is everything when it comes to sunscreen. So Dr. Stephen Finical, a surgeon with Charlotte Plastic Surgery, reminds everyone to make sunscreen part of your daily routine. "But don't wait to do it right before you go outside," he says. "Most sunscreens take at least 20 minutes to work." 

Here are four more tips from Dr. Finical that will help you survive summer without damaging your skin:

1. Splurge on a quality product for the areas that get the most sun (face, neck, chest and hands). Dr. Finical recommends SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair ($64; available at Charlotte Plastic Surgery).

2. For the rest of your body, save money by using a lower priced lotion that's SPF 15 or higher and has a smell and texture you love - that increases the odds that you'll use it. Just make sure it's waterproof if you're going to be swimming or sweating. The O Report recommends Coppertone Clearly Sheer Whipped Sunscreen SPF 30; water resistant for 80 minutes. ($9.99; available at drugstores). 

3. If you're going to be in a bathing suit, put on your sunscreen before your suit so you'll be fully protected. 

4. Most sunscreens lose effectiveness after 80 minutes. You have to keep reapplying of you're out in the sun. Dr. Finical likes Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen because it's easy to sweep over exposed skin even if you're wearing makeup. ($57; available at Charlotte Plastic Surgery). 

BEST PROTECTION

Unforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen from Colorscience

Now that it's officially Fall, you don't have to wear sunscreen anymore, right? Wrong! Protecting your skin from the sun is a year-round commitment. The cooler months ahead mean we'll be covering up our bodies more, but our faces, necks and hands - areas that are already especially prone to aging - will still be exposed so wearing sunscreen is as crucial as ever. 

Here are four sunscreens to add to your arsenal:

Sunforgetable Brush-On Sunscreen from Colorscience (photo above). All it takes is one simple step to brush on this SPF and finishing powder. Use it alone or over makeup. It's the easiest way to combat one sunscreen sin many of us are guilty of - not reapplying when we're out in the sun. Keep one of these at home, in your car and in your bag to quickly brush over your hands, face or any other exposed skin. Available in Medium and Tan, and in SPF 30 ($57) or SPF 50 ($64). Charlotte Plastic Surgery: 704-237-0036; www.charlotteplasticsurgery.com.  

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+. Perfect for the face and neck area because its ultra lightweight matte finish glides on without being greasy. $38. www.belk.com.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection WetForce SPF 50+. Japanese precision combined with a culture that's known for how highly it prizes flawless skin is behind the creation of this luxury sunscreen for the body. $40. www.macys.com. 

Australian Gold X-Treme Sport Spray Gel SPF 50. For sporty types who are on the golf course, tennis court or lake all yearlong, this is a great pick because it's lightweight and has a twist-lock cap that keeps the product from spilling when you're on the go. $8.99. Available at most drugstores or at www.australiangold.com.