With summer now in full swing sunburns are, unfortunately, an all too common occurrence. Many sunscreens do not offer the protection we think they do, or even what they claim to offer. Therefore, while we should definitely continue to use sunscreens, we need to avoid developing a false sense of security about their ability to protect us and our loved ones. Sunscreen is the need of an hour for sure, but there still are some proper precautions to be taken while you use sunscreen! Here are the Dos and Don’ts of using sunscreen:
DOS:
REAPPLY
Do reapply your sunscreen every two hours! This is the best way to ensure you stay covered and protected. So, always carry a sunscreen in your bag so that you have it handy wherever and whenever needed.
APPLY ENOUGH SUNSCREEN
No matter what variety of sunscreen a person uses, it won’t be effective if it’s used sparingly. A dollop about the size of a stack of five quarters is good for just the face, while about two fluid ounces (the size of a double shot glass) is required for the rest of the body.
LOOK FOR SPECIFIC INGREDIENTS
DO look for the ingredients like zinc, titanium dioxide, avenobenzone and Mexoryl SX, all of which are powerful UVA blockers that remain on the surface of the skin instead of absorbing into the body.
WEAR SUNSCREEN ALL YEAR ROUND
No matter what the season is or what time of the day it is, sunscreen is always needed not to just protect from tan but also protect your skin from harmful UV rays. You may even need to wear sunscreen at night, which might be a little weird but you need to do that!
CHOOSE SUNSCREEN ACCORDING TO SKIN TYPE
You might want to purchase a sunscreen that suits your skin as sunscreens might do well for one and not for the other. Some have oily skin so they will have to look out for water-based matte sunscreen while those with dry skin can actually use any type of sunscreen!
APPLY SUNSCREEN ON DRY SKIN
Sunscreens don’t hold up very well in water. The lesson learned from that is that we should indeed purchase waterproof sunscreens, but make sure to re-apply them after getting out of the water. Towel-dry first so that you apply the sunscreen to dry skin. Even if you’re not in the water, make sure to re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours, but more frequently if you do get wet, which includes sweat.
DON’TS
PURCHASE SUNSCREEN WITH HIGH SPF
Don’t waste your money on sunscreens claiming an SPF higher than 50+. According to the FDA, there’s no evidence such products provide better protection against harmful rays and they may actually make us feel overconfident and less likely to reapply.
USE SPRAY SUNSCREENS
Don’t use spray sunscreens. Although convenient, these sprays make it easy to miss spots or apply too little. Furthermore, sprays can be easily inhaled and can contain toxic ingredients.
JUST APPLY ON FACE
Even if you’re not at the beach or pool, it’s especially important to apply sunscreen to your hands, forearms, lips, and ears. These areas also receive sun exposure and are not only quick to show signs of ageing; they are also vulnerable to the development of melanomas.
TRUST WATERPROOF CLAIMS
There aren’t any sunscreens that are totally waterproof or sweat-proof, but there are some varieties that resist being washed off more easily. However, the amount of time they are most effective varies from product to product. Do not believe that they will last really long. Even these formulas will wear off after 30 minutes or more spent in the water or after excessive sweating. They can also easily rub off when you towel-dry after a swim.