A Dermatologist Picks Skin-Protecting Products

For the Body

Her trick to determine if you’ve applied enough sunscreen: Place a tissue on your skin. If it sticks, you’re covered; if it doesn’t, add another coat. And don’t neglect your legs. They’re one of the most common spots for melanoma to occur in women.
 
 

For a Day Outdoors

Lien wears (1) Solumbra clothing and a hat when at the beach, hiking, or Rollerblading. The moisture-wicking, sun-protective fabrics block more than 90 percent of UVA and UVB rays, as opposed to the SPF 3 equivalent you get from a standard white T-shirt. (Solumbra, $43 to $130, sunprecautions.com.)

For Eye Protection

The sun can cause a host of problems for your eyes, from crow’s feet to cataracts. Lien shields hers with (2) Oakley Ravishing Sunglasses (from $130, altrec.com). “They filter out 100 percent of harmful rays and reduce glare. Plus, they don’t slip off when I’m playing sports,” she says. The UV protection is built into the lenses, so it won’t scratch or wear off.

For Playing Outside

Before a swim or a sweaty game of beach volleyball, Lien applies a shot glass–size amount of (3) Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunblock Lotion SPF 70 ($10 at drugstores). Lien diligently reapplies about every two hours and right after swimming.

For Added Protection

In addition to a daily multivitamin, Lien recommends two 500-milligram tablets of (4) Nature Made Vitamin C ($6 at drugstores). Studies have shown that vitamin C helps fight sun-induced free radicals in the body. “It boosts the immune system overall and helps keep my skin looking young,” says Lien.

For the Easiest Reapplication

When at the beach with her daughter, Lien likes to use (5) Coppertone Kids Continuous Spray SPF 70+ ($10 at drugstores). It’s clean and simple to apply on sandy skin. Since sprays don’t always offer adequate, even coverage, and because the wind can carry them away, Lien advises patients to use a cream or a lotion for their first coat and a spray for midday reapplications.