Sunscreen is one of the most essential products in any skincare routine, offering vital protection against harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, pigmentation, and skin cancer. However, despite its importance, many people are still making common mistakes when it comes to applying sunscreen. These errors can lead to ineffective sun protection and put your skin at risk. In this article, we’ll explore the top mistakes people make when using sunscreen and how to correct them for optimal protection.
- Not Applying Enough Sunscreen
One of the most common sunscreen mistakes is not using enough product. Many people apply sunscreen too sparingly, which leads to inadequate protection. To get the full SPF protection listed on the label, you need to use the right amount.
How Much Sunscreen Should You Use?
The general rule is to apply about one ounce (roughly a shot glass full) to cover your entire body. For your face, use about a nickel-sized amount or around 1/4 teaspoon. This ensures that you’re getting the coverage necessary for the sunscreen to work as intended. If you’re applying sunscreen to smaller areas, such as the neck or hands, be sure to use enough product to cover the area completely.
Many people apply a thin layer that may feel comfortable but doesn’t provide the full level of protection. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating, swimming, or towel-drying.
- Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
It’s a common misconception that sunscreen is only necessary when the sun is out and the skies are clear. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can reach your skin on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays penetrate clouds and cause skin damage even when it’s not sunny.
How to Correct This Mistake:
Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine, regardless of the weather. Apply it every morning before leaving the house, even if the forecast calls for overcast skies. For those who spend a lot of time indoors near windows, keep in mind that UVA rays can still penetrate through glass, so sunscreen is still necessary.
- Not Reapplying Sunscreen Frequently Enough
Many people forget to reapply sunscreen after the first application, assuming that it will last all day. However, sunscreen wears off over time due to sweating, swimming, or even just from normal wear and tear.
When Should You Reapply?
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming, sweating, or using a towel. Even water-resistant formulas lose their effectiveness after extended exposure to water, so be sure to reapply after each swim.
If you’re outside for long periods or if you’re engaging in activities like hiking or sports, consider using a sunscreen stick or setting spray for easy and quick touch-ups without disturbing your makeup.
- Relying Only on SPF in Makeup Products
While it’s great that many makeup products now contain SPF, relying on them as your sole form of sun protection can leave you vulnerable to skin damage. Most makeup products only contain a small amount of SPF, often far less than what you need for full protection.
Why You Need More Than Makeup SPF:
The amount of SPF in makeup isn’t typically enough to protect your skin throughout the day. For proper protection, you would need to apply several layers of makeup, which isn’t practical or realistic. Use a dedicated sunscreen underneath your makeup, and choose makeup products with SPF as an added bonus.
- Using Sunscreen Only on the Face
While the face is often the focus when it comes to sunscreen application, many people neglect other areas of their body, such as the neck, chest, ears, and hands. These areas are also exposed to the sun and can develop signs of aging or sunburn if not protected.
Apply Sunscreen Everywhere:
Be sure to apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of your body. This includes not only your face but also your ears, neck, chest, shoulders, hands, and feet. Don’t forget areas like the back of the knees and the scalp, which can also get sunburned. If you have thinning hair, consider using a scalp sunscreen or wearing a hat to protect your scalp from UV damage.
- Choosing the Wrong SPF
People often misunderstand the significance of SPF numbers, leading them to either overestimate or underestimate the level of protection they’re getting. SPF stands for “sun protection factor,” and it measures the sunscreen’s ability to protect against UVB rays, the type of radiation responsible for sunburns.
How to Choose the Right SPF:
For everyday use, an SPF of 30 to 50 is usually sufficient for most people. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Anything higher than SPF 50 does not provide significantly better protection but may offer a false sense of security.
If you’re going to be outside for an extended period or near reflective surfaces (like water or snow), consider using an SPF of 50 or higher. However, SPF 100 offers minimal added protection and can create a sense of overconfidence that may lead to other sunscreen mistakes.
- Using Sunscreen Only After Sun Exposure
Many people make the mistake of thinking that sunscreen is only necessary once they’ve been outside in the sun for a while. However, sunscreen should be applied before sun exposure for it to work effectively.
The Right Timing:
Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before heading outside to give it time to absorb and form a protective barrier. Don’t wait until you’re already out in the sun to apply it, as it won’t be effective right away. Reapply throughout the day to maintain continuous protection, especially if you’ve been sweating or swimming.
- Not Paying Attention to Expiry Dates
Sunscreen has an expiration date, and using expired products can result in diminished protection. Sunscreen ingredients break down over time, losing their effectiveness, which is why it’s important to check the expiry date on the bottle before use.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Check the expiration date of your sunscreen before you apply it, and avoid using it if it’s expired. If there is no visible expiration date, most sunscreens remain effective for about three years from the manufacturing date. Keep your sunscreen in a cool, dry place, away from excessive heat or sunlight, which can cause it to degrade faster.
- Not Applying Sunscreen Properly
How you apply sunscreen matters just as much as how much you use. Rubbing sunscreen in too quickly or unevenly can leave certain areas unprotected. Similarly, not applying it to your eyelids or lips leaves these areas vulnerable to sun damage.
How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly:
When applying sunscreen, take your time and spread it evenly across all exposed areas. Start with your face, and work your way down to your body. Don’t forget sensitive areas like your lips, ears, eyelids, and the back of your hands. If you’re using a spray sunscreen, ensure that it is applied in a generous, even layer and rub it in with your hands to avoid missed spots.
- Choosing Sunscreen Based on Price Alone
While it can be tempting to grab the cheapest sunscreen on the shelf, the price isn’t always an accurate indicator of quality. More expensive sunscreens may contain higher-end ingredients, but budget-friendly options can also offer excellent protection if you know what to look for.
What to Look for in Sunscreen:
Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose products that are water-resistant if you plan on swimming or sweating, and ensure they are suitable for your skin type (whether oily, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone). There’s no need to splurge on expensive options, as many drugstore sunscreens are highly effective and well-formulated.
