Do You Apply Sunscreen Correctly? This is Your Go-To Guide for Summertime Skin Protection

The most crucial element of summer skincare is sunscreen. It shields your skin from UV radiation and lowers your chance of developing skin cancer, sunburn, and early aging. Nevertheless, applying sunscreen liberally before venturing outside is not enough to ensure its efficient use. This is a comprehensive instruction on applying sunscreen for optimal protection and skincare advantages during the summer months.

Select the appropriate SPF.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least a 30 Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Sunscreen SPF values indicate how well a sunscreen blocks UVB rays, which are known to cause sunburn. Sunscreens with a broad spectrum of protection shield the skin from UVB and UVA radiation, which can cause skin cancer and premature aging.

Apply liberally and frequently.
All exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, arms, and legs, should be heavily covered in sunscreen. To cover your entire body, use around one ounce, or about the capacity of a shot glass. Every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming, perspiring a lot, or towel drying, reapply sunscreen.

Remember to use your lips.
Use an SPF-rated lipstick or lip balm to shield your lips from the sun. Sunscreen lip balm should be used frequently during the day because lips are easily forgotten and can result in sunburn and skin cancer.

Apply it ahead of time in the sun.
To ensure that sunscreen is thoroughly absorbed into the skin, apply it at least 15 minutes before heading outside. This guarantees that your skin is sufficiently shielded from UV radiation from the beginning.

Select formulations that are resistant to water.
To ensure protection even in damp situations, choose a sunscreen that is resistant to water if you plan on swimming or perspiring. According to the label, water-resistant sunscreens protect for 40 or 80 minutes, whether swimming or perspiring. Reapply when the towel has dried; don’t forget.

Reapply as necessary.
Reapply sunscreen frequently, even if you’re not swimming or perspiring, especially if you plan to be outside for a long time. For continued protection, make it a practice to reapply sunscreen every two hours, as it may eventually fade off or become less effective.

Apply sunscreen on a daily basis.
Sunscreen should be a regular part of your skincare routine all year, not simply for outdoor activities or beach days. Use sunscreen every day, even on dark or overcast days, as UV radiation can pass through windows and clouds. To lower your risk of sun damage and skin cancer, in addition to using sunscreen, look for shade during the hottest parts of the day, wear protective clothes like hats and sunglasses, and stay away from tanning beds.