Why Your Sunscreen Might Be Giving You Less Protection Than You Think

Summer is here and the sun's rays are becoming stronger. It's more important than ever to make sure you stay adequately protected from harmful UV radiation. Applying sunscreen is a vital step in safeguarding your skin, but are you using your sunscreen correctly? Dermatologists shed light on common misconceptions and offer valuable insights into maximizing effectiveness.

Shedding Light on Sunscreen

One of the most common questions regarding sunscreen is how often it should be applied. Experts recommend applying it every two hours to give adequate protection. This frequency ensures your skin receives optimal protection, especially during extended outdoor activities. Remember to reapply after swimming, sweating, or towel drying to maintain maximum coverage. This is because as more time passes, what you're wearing becomes less effective or gets rubbed off.

How Much to Apply

Moreover, specialists emphasize the importance of applying sunscreen generously to achieve the stated sun protection factor (SPF) on the bottle. Contrary to popular belief, a fingertip-sized squirt is needed to cover an area the size of your hand. Applying too little sunscreen reduces the effectiveness, leaving your skin vulnerable to sun damage. If there are areas that are hard for you to apply sunscreen to, you should protect them in other ways, like wearing a hat.

Choose the Right Product

When choosing the right sunscreen, opting for a product with a minimum SPF 30 and a high star rating for UVA protection is ideal. Experts also advise those who have sensitive skin to choose mineral sunscreens. These products sit on the skin's surface and are less likely to cause any irritations. Avoid aerosol variants, as they may not provide adequate coverage.

Choose the Right Product
Shutterstock // Oksana Mizina

Parents must take extra precautions. When protecting their children's delicate skin, professionals advise using one with SPF 50+ and high UVA protection for children over six months old. With infants under six months, sun exposure should be minimal, and protective clothing, hats, and shaded areas should do the trick.

Safeguard Your Skin

Appropriately applying sunscreen minimizes the risk of sun damage and skin cancer so that you can enjoy your summer safely. By following expert advice and understanding the importance of reapplication and adequate coverage, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV radiation.