BURLINGTON, Vt. -
While everyone knows sunscreen can help protect you from the sun, dermatologists say not all sunscreens are created equal.
In Burlington Friday, Lauren O'Neil protected her nearly two-year son Trevor from a danger from above.
"The damage is done, usually around this time," says O'Neil.
To prevent sun damage, O'Neil says she bought Trevor a special hat. She also asked her doctor about what sunscreen to buy.
"Every day I cover him if we go outside, if it's sunny, I put sun block on him," says O'Neil.
O'Neil says she chose SPF 50 for Trevor.
"Really look at the number and look at something that's number 30 or higher," says Dr. Landon Dennison.
Dennison is a dermatologist at Four Seasons Dermatology in South Burlington. He's says sunscreen is not just for a trip to the beach.
"Whether you're working the backyard, you're at the beach or just taking a walk, you're getting sun," says Dennison.
Dennison suggests a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. He says you should put it on before going out, make sure to apply a lot and reapply especially after swimming.
"If you have a bottle of sunscreen that lasts the whole summer, you're not putting enough on," says Dennison.
Now dermatologists suggest certain ingredients that should be in your sun screen.
They include: ZINC OXIDE (ideally 5% or higher), TITANIUM DIOXIDE, mexoryl (ecamsule)Courtesy: Four Seasons Dermatology
A consumer group has come out with a list of ingredients that should not be in sunscreen.
CLICK HERE for the Environmental Working Group's Sunscreen Guide
