It has been almost 40 years since the last total eclipse! Come Monday August 21, 2017, some of us in East Tennessee will experience total darkness in the middle of the day! I’m sure you’ve heard on the news the importance of protecting your eyes if you’re planning on watching this once in a lifetime event, but have you thought about your skin? Harmful UVA and UVB rays will still be present leading up to the complete eclipse, we want you to be sure and wear your sunscreen!

Picking the best sunscreen can be tricky, our dermatologists recommend sunscreens:

  1. With SPF of 30 or higher.
  2. Look for words “Broad-Spectrum” and “Water-Resistant”
  3. Choose sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide listed as one of the first ingredients.
  4. Avoid sunscreens that contain fragrance, oils, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PAVA).

Remember to re-apply frequently while waiting for the eclipse and after in case you find yourself stuck in traffic.Seek shade often leading up to the event, and wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses.