The sunscreen we use today evolved from “suntan lotion” that offered little skin protection but was used to create a darker tan. Today’s sunscreen offers serious skin protection and blocks dangerous UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen helps protect your skin from skin cancer, wrinkling and sagging. However, skin care experts warn that how you apply sunscreen and what sunscreen you use can affect your level of sun protection.
Here are eight tips for proper sunscreen application.
1) Always choose a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. Make sure your sunscreen is water resistant, so it stays on your skin even if you are perspiring.
2) Check the coverage to ensure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
3) Check the expiration date on your sunscreen to make sure it hasn’t expired.
4) Put on your sunscreen before you go outside. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes before sunscreen is properly absorbed into your skin.
5) Don’t be stingy with sunscreen. Use enough product to completely cover any area of exposed skin.
6) Remember to use sunscreen on the top of your ears, your neck, ankles and feet. These areas are often forgotten and need sunscreen protection to prevent sunburn and sun damage.
7) If you have thinning hair or no hair, it’s important to use sunscreen on the top of your head even if you wear a sun hat.
8) Once is not enough. You must continue to apply sunscreen every 1-2 hours on all bare skin during the time you are in the sun.
