Sunscreen is an important tool to protect our skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun as well as in our fight against skin cancer. However, dermatologists say that many people are either ignorant or make mistakes when it comes to applying sunscreen. This can compromise its effectiveness. In this blog post, we will discuss some common sunscreen mistakes that you might be making and how to avoid them.
1) You apply sunscreen during summer but not on cloudy days
For many, sunscreen means summer, hot weather, and beaches. They use sunscreen only when the temperature soars. There is a general feeling that it is safe to skip sunscreen on cloudy days, as you won't get sunburned. This is by far one of the most common misconceptions that people have.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), around 80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds. Despite this, only 20% of Americans apply sunscreen on overcast days. UV rays can also penetrate through glass and many types of clothing. So, as a safety measure, apply sunscreen daily, irrespective of the weather outside.
2) You are not using a 'broad-spectrum' sunscreen
Do what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a majority of dermatologists recommend. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF value of 30 or above.
All sunscreens help protect the skin against sunburn. However, only a 'broad-spectrum sunscreen' offers the best protection against both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. While UVA rays are responsible for premature signs of ageing, including wrinkles, UVB rays primarily cause sunburns. UVA rays, along with UVB rays, are also known to cause serious health problems like melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Hence, read the labels correctly, to ensure that you are buying the right sunscreen.
3) You are applying too little sunscreen
One of the biggest sunscreen mistakes people make is not using enough sunscreen. According to the FDA, for a sunscreen to work effectively, it is important to apply about 1 ounce of sunscreen (equal to the size of a golf ball) to all the exposed parts of your body. That includes your neck, ears, and legs too. Most people only apply half or even less than that to their face and hands. Many people use sunscreen only once a day. This significantly reduces its effectiveness.
The solution here is to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen liberally and to all exposed areas of your body.
4) You are applying sunscreen too late
Another common mistake people make is waiting until they are already outside to apply sunscreen. This is too late. According to experts, it takes at least 15 to 30 minutes for a sunscreen to get fully absorbed into the skin and start working.
Hence, apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you venture out. This will ensure that the sunscreen is absorbed into your skin and that you get the full protection you need.
5) You are not reapplying sunscreen frequently
Forget advertisements and the brand's tall claims that a sunscreen offers all-day sun protection. Sunscreen, as well as its effect, wears out in a couple of hours due to sweating, swimming, or simply rubbing against your clothes. If you do not reapply sunscreen, you may not be protected from the sun throughout the day.
Experts recommend that sunscreen be reapplied every 2 hours. This is especially true on days when you are relaxing at the beach, swimming, playing an outdoor sport, or roaming outside for long hours. Again, it is very likely that you’re not going to check your phone to see if it’s time to reapply your sunscreen. Just set an alarm that goes off every two hours, so you won’t end up fried at the end of the day.
6) You are using a fragrant sunscreen
Your skin already gets irritated when exposed to the sun for a few hours. Wearing a sunscreen that contains fragrance would simply irritate your skin further. Honestly, fragrance adds nothing to the formulation of skincare products. It just helps it smell good. You don’t need it!
Additionally, unscented sunscreens have a host of benefits. They are often 'hypoallergenic', are less likely to clog pores, and generally have a longer shelf life. Dermatologists also recommend using fragrance-free sunscreens, as they are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
7) You are using expired sunscreen
Like every product, sunscreen too comes with an expiration date. That means that if you are using a very old tube of sunscreen that is past its expiration date, it may not be effective anymore.
Hence, check the expiration date on your sunscreen bottle or tube before using it. If it is expired, throw it away and buy a new one. Also remember to store your sunscreen in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
8) You are relying on sunscreen only
Remember, no sunscreen offers 100% sun protection. A sunscreen can be water-resistant, but no sunscreen is waterproof. That means you can still get blisters and sunburns. So do not rely on sunscreen alone. Shield your skin by adding extra protection, like the tips given below.
* Stay in the shade as much as possible
* Wear a broad-brimmed hat to cover your head
* Use sunglasses with UV protection
* Wear lightweight and long-sleeved clothes like shirts and pants
* Apply a lipstick or lip balm with sunscreen protection
* If possible, choose sun protective clothing, i.e., UPF (ultraviolet protection factor)-labeled clothes.
In conclusion, the above sunscreen mistakes are all too common but can be easily avoided with a little knowledge and attention to detail. By using adequate sunscreen, applying it frequently, and choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, you can protect your skin from sunburns, skin damages, and skin cancer.
No comments:
Post a Comment