Though we haven’t officially hit summer— June 21st—the fact that we live in the desert pretty much means that summer has arrived sometime mid May! And I don’t know about you, but this summer I plan on being out in the sun a lot—showing houses, watching grandkids swim, gardening, farmers market, vacations, etc—so I know that I’ll be piling the sunscreen all over myself along with reminding my grandkids (and my adult kids) to slather it on!!
Here are a few common mistakes that I ran across the other day when I was surfing the web. For more on your skin this summer, visit this site.
Common Sunscreen Mistakes
Applying sunscreen AFTER going outdoors.
Sunscreen needs to be applied 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE going outside to give it time to be absorbed into the skin. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for absorption time, which is typically up to 30 minutes before heading outside. Read: How to Properly Apply Sunscreen
Not applying enough sunscreen. Not reapplying after swimming or sweating. Not reapplying sunscreen at all.
Experts recommend that an adult should use about 1 ounce of sunscreen for adequate coverage. Remember that all body parts that will be exposed to the sun need to be protected. Most people forget to apply sunscreen to their face, ears, neck and feet.
Sunscreen that is not labeled “waterproof” or “water resistant” does come off while you’re in the water or sweating. Even waterproof and water-resistant sunscreen provide a limited window of protection. Check the product label to learn how often to reapply it. Most provide between 45 minutes to 2 hours of coverage. Read: Which is the Best Sunscreen For Your Skin Type?
Many people have the misconception that one application of sunscreen will provide all-day protection. Not true. Sunscreen generally needs to be reapplied every two hours or after exercise or water activity. Check the label for specific instructions. Read: Should You Use Sunscreen On Your Lips?
Using sunscreen only when it is sunny.
Sunscreen needs to be used on both sunny and cloudy days. Harmful UV rays can still affect people when it’s cloudy. It’s important to keep in mind that all people are at risk of skin damage caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays, so it is crucial to wear sunscreen regardless of your skin tone or ethnicity. Read: Who’s Most At Risk for Skin Cancer?
photo courtesy of: http://inthedailies.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/sunburn.jpg
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