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Overcast much? Sure is here in NYC. But the sun stops for no cloud, my friends! It’s always our job to be smart about sun protection. But really… SPF, UVA, UVB, sunscreen, sunblock… what’s what?!? We admit — it can sound like a complicated business. Thing is, it’s not. And NYC dermatologist Dr. Doris Day was kind enough to break it all down for us, so we can break it all down for you…

What to know? “Not all sunscreens are created equal.” Why use a product that meets FDA standards when you could use one that exceeds them? That’s Neutrogena’s Helioplex ® Technology. Their latest beach defense sunscreen has an SPF 30 lotion & SPF 70 sunscreen, with protection against UVA and UVB rays.

AOP Translation: Neutrogena’s Helioplex ® Technology is the best protection from premature aging and skin cancer, period.

How to use it? Apply… and reapply. Every two hours (more often if you take a dip or break some sweat). An ounce covers a whole body. So if you and three friends spend a day outside, at the end of the day, that bottle should be empty. Do the math.

AOP Translation: Reapply.

When to retreat? Midday, the sun is strongest. Hit the shade, wear a hat, get yourself some brand new sunnies for those peepers. UV rays can damage your eyes, too.

AOP Translation: Make it fun! We don’t need an excuse to get all fashionable with our melanoma protection, so when Dr. Day pointed us to The Eye Browser.com, we went for it! Upload your smiling, sun-screened face, then virtually browse and try on the latest sunglass styles ahead of your shopping trip!

Dr. Day’s Translation: Look for UVA and UVB protection– tint doesn’t count!

AOP Translation: Thank you, Dr. Day!

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New FDA guidelines make you check your sunscreen twice! What are they saying? Make sure the label says broad spectrum–which means that it protects against UVA and UVB rays evenly, make sure it has at least an SPF of 15 or higher (50 will now be the highest) since there is no research that proves an SPF greater than 50 will work more efficiently. What else?  Sunscreens must say “water resistant”, not  “waterproof.”

L’Oreal Paris Dermatologist, Dr. Gervaise Gerstner  shares her top tips for protecting yourself against skin cancer.

1–Choose a sunscreen  with SPF 30 or 50 and apply it every 2 hours. Use a timer or app on your phone to remind you to reapply!

2–Use a shot glass full of sunblock to ensure you’re wearing enough.

3–If you have children—let them have some fun–dab a dollop on a makeup brush and have them go to town on their own.

4–See your derm yearly for skin cancer screenings.

5–Stay out of the sun from 10am-4pm, when sun is the strongest.

6–Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses if you do have to venture out.