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" With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to brush up on your skin safety rules. We asked expert dermatologist Dr. Wattenberg to answer common questions about how to protect your skin this summer.   How high an SPF do I need to apply before heading to the beach?   At least 30. Theoretically, the higher the number, the greater percentage of UVB rays you&amp;#039;re blocking (SPF 30 blocks about 97%). But technique is key. Use a lot (about 1 ounce) and reapply about every 2 hours. If you usually forget, SPF 50+ is a safer bet. Make sure the product says that it has broad-spectrum coverage, meaning that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays (SPF only refers to UVB protection). Sunscreens that contain the ingredients Helioplex or Mexoryl are good picks.   Is there a &amp;quot;right&amp;quot; way to check myself for skin cancer?   Everyone should get at least one skin check from a dermatologist, who can tell you how often you need professional exams and what to look for yourself. But generally you want to work head to toe so you don&amp;#039;t miss anything. Red flags: a new mole; a &amp;quot;pimple&amp;quot; that doesn&amp;#039;t go away for weeks; or spots that are bleeding, have gotten bigger, changed shape, or have uneven borders or shading.   Do I really still need sunblock if I&amp;#039;m inside most of the day?   Probably, though it depends on where you&amp;#039;ll be. People don&amp;#039;t realize that the sun&amp;#039;s rays can penetrate through windows, so if you&amp;#039;re spending time in a room with lots of light pouring in, wearing sunblock will help you ward off wrinkles, age spots, and yes, even skin cancer. Similarly, you need to wear sunscreen when you&amp;#039;re in your car. Windshields usually have a coating that blocks UVB rays, but not UVAs (and both are damaging to your skin). The side windows rarely have any UV protection. That&amp;#039;s why frequent drivers are more prone to get skin cancer on their left arm.   I&amp;#039;ve heard skin cancer on the scalp is common, but I hate wearing hats. Help!   You&amp;#039;re right\u2014skin cancer on the scalp is fairly prevalent, because the sun shines more directly on it than on other parts of your body. And your hair (especially if it&amp;#039;s thinning or if you have a prominent part) isn&amp;#039;t all that protective. Hats are best, but if you won&amp;#039;t wear one, make sure you cover your part and other exposed areas with sunscreen. If you use an oil-free spray, it shouldn&amp;#039;t make your hair too greasy.   To ask our health experts a question, go to WomansDay.com/DrWD "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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