Sunscreen is one of the most important ways to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. However, despite its importance and ubiquity, a lot of people still make mistakes with their sunscreen use. Here are 7 common sunscreen mistakes you should know about for safer summer days ahead!.
The “should you rub in sunscreen” is a question that many people ask. The answer is yes, but there are some things to avoid.
Even if you use sunscreen on a regular basis, you’d be shocked how simple it is to overlook a key step—and get burnt. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most typical sunscreen blunders, as well as how to avoid them.
1. Your sunscreen from 2013 is still in your possession.
This is problematic for two reasons: The shelf life of sunscreen is just three years. So trash it if it’s been that long since you purchased it. It’s also a clue that you’re not wearing enough sunscreen if you have old sunscreen sitting around. According to Andrew F. Alexis, M.D., head of the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai West, you need a shot glass amount (approximately 1 ounce) of sunscreen to adequately cover your complete body. So, if you and a buddy split an 8-ounce bottle of sunscreen and reapply every two hours over a weekend at the beach, the bottle should be empty by the time you go home.
2. You only put sunscreen on just before breakfast.
One of the most common errors individuals make is not reapplying sunscreen during the day, assuming that the UV protection they applied at 7 a.m. would last all day. It isn’t the case. “The preventive effect fades after a few hours, particularly in situations when there is a lot of sweating, like exercise or extended sun exposure,” Alexis explains. “As a result, using sunscreen every two hours while active and outside for long periods of time is advised.”
According to Alexis, you may reapply less often for daily usage when you’re not perspiring much or at all, such as travelling to and from work. Try misting a setting spray with sunblock, like Coola Makeup Setting Spray with SPF 30 ($36), or swiping on a compact foundation with SPF, like Shiseido UV Protective Compact Foundation with SPF 36 ($28 for the foundation, $8 for the case), for easy touch-ups throughout the day that won’t mess with your makeup. You may also wear a hat with a broad brim to shield your face as well as your ears and head.
Related: 11 Bad Beauty Habits You Should Stop Doing Right Now
3. You believe your BB cream with SPF is sufficient.
Consider SPF cosmetics to be one of a boy band’s lesser members: When used with others, it’s fantastic, but it’s not powerful enough to fly by itself. According to Alexis, “SPF in cosmetics should not be depended upon as the major source of sun protection.” “It’s a nice bonus, but the average quantity of makeup used by most women on a daily basis doesn’t come close to providing comprehensive sun protection.” Is there a better option? After washing your face, apply an SPF 30 moisturizer to your face and neck. According to Beth Glenn, Ph.D., assistant director of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, you’ll be more inclined to apply a generous quantity this way. Allow a minute for it to seep in before applying your makeup, which should include SPF.
4. Your pucker isn’t being protected.
Even those who are diligent about using sunscreen every day are prone to forgetting about their lips, which puts them at danger. “The lips, particularly the lower lip, are prone to significant cumulative UV damage and are a region where skin malignancies originate,” Alexis explains. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), the lower lip is 12 times more likely than the top lip to develop skin cancer because it protrudes from your face and absorbs more harmful rays. Lips also lack melanin, the body’s natural protection against ultraviolet radiation. As a result, they’re a particularly susceptible bodily area. But that’s not all: if you’re a huge user of lip gloss, you could be exacerbating the problem. Shiny gloss, like baby oil, may function as a beacon, guiding the sun’s harmful rays directly to your lips. Alexis suggests using a daily lip balm with SPF 30 and reapplying it regularly.
The “applying sunscreen wrong” is a mistake that many people make. It can lead to sunburn or worse, skin cancer. Here are 7 common mistakes you should avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest mistake with using the spray sunscreen?
A: The biggest mistake is not using enough sunscreen. This will typically leave a white, chalky residue on your skin that looks unsightly and could potentially cause irritation if it stays in contact with the sun for too long.
What is one of the most common mistakes made with sunscreen products in outdoor use?
A: The most common mistake is often not using enough sunscreen. Because of the heat and ultraviolet rays, its important to use at least SPF 30 on your skin inside if youre going outdoors for an extended period of time.
What are the two most common sunscreen mistakes?
A: The two most common sunscreen mistakes are using the wrong kind of sunscreen, which can lead to allergic reactions and sunburns, and not wearing enough clothing or a hat.
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