#AskDrSandy – How Do I Layer Sunblock?

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#AskDrSandy – How Do I Layer Sunblock?

Question: I have a question about layering sunblock: do you put sunblock on first then bug spray and another layer of sunblock? I hike and forage and need to protect myself from mosquitoes and ticks .

Repellents that are applied according to label instructions may be used with sunscreen with no reduction in repellent activity; however, limited data show a one-third decrease in the sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens when DEET-containing insect repellents are used after a sunscreen is applied. Products that combine sunscreen and repellent are not recommended, because sunscreen may need to be reapplied more often and in larger amounts than needed for the repellent component to provide protection from biting insects. In general, the recommendation is to use separate products, applying sunscreen first and then applying the repellent. Due to the decrease in SPF when using a DEET-containing insect repellent after applying sunscreen, travelers may need to reapply the sunscreen more frequently. Happy hiking !! . Great question sent in by: @phatnancy

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