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).