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Thinking "water resistance" means all day protection, no matter what -

If you're swimming or getting in the sea, you probably think your water-resistant sunscreen's got you covered, right? 

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Thinking "water resistance" means all day protection, no matter what -

While it's definitely better to plan ahead if you're going to be in the water, when tested, the effectiveness of once-a-day or water-resistant products dropped significantly after a few hours.

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Thinking "water resistance" means all day protection, no matter what -

Fast-running water, sweating, splashes, saltwater, chlorine, and rubbing towels against the skin can all remove sunscreen, lowering your protection.

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Not using enough -

You might see SPF 50 and think that you can afford to apply your sunscreen sparingly. Unfortunately, the product only offers its stated level of protection if a certain amount of it is applied.

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Not using enough -

According to the World Health Organization, most people don't apply enough sunscreen to reach the level of protection on the packaging.

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Not applying until you're already outside -

For optimal protection, sunscreen should be applied 20-30 minutes prior to spending time outside. This is especially true for chemical-based sunscreens.

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Not applying until you're already outside -

In order to work properly, chemical sunscreens must sink into the skin to provide UV protection. However, mineral block sunscreen should also be applied in advance of going outside, for best protection.

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Forgetting to reapply -

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly throughout the day. In one study, it was discovered that only 37% of respondents brought their sunscreen out with them to reapply.

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Forgetting to reapply -

Even on a day that is cloudy and overcast, the UV index can be high. You don't have to be at the beach either to get burned; people frequently forget to reapply when spending time in the garden or working out outside.

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Believing darker skin is already protected -

Although people with darker skin tones have less risk from skin cancer than those with lighter skin, care should still be taken.

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Believing darker skin is already protected -

In a 2021 review article, it was found that the sun's cancer risk was underestimated for those with darker skin tones, despite the fact that people of all skin tones can get skin cancer.

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Believing darker skin is already protected -

Those with darker skin tones might not get obvious skin color changes that accompany burning, making them unaware of the sun damage that's taken place. Instead, symptoms of burning might include itching, a burning sensation, or the skin feeling tender.

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Thinking less expensive sunscreen doesn't work -

A UK study in 2023 found that 67% of people would use more sunscreen if it was cheaper, while 10% of people don't use it at all due to the cost barrier.

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Thinking less expensive sunscreen doesn't work -

By studying reviews by trusted sources, you can find less expensive brands that provide the same, or a similar level of protection, to those provided by more expensive brands.

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Extra photosensitivity caused by some medications -

Certain medications that you're taking might heighten photosensitivity, making it more likely that you'll burn in the sun.

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Extra photosensitivity caused by some medications -

Although not everyone will have this reaction, some common medicines including antidepressants, oral contraceptives, and antibiotics can lower your natural level of protection.

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Extra photosensitivity caused by some medications -

Make sure to study the fine print about any medications you're taking. Remember that increased photosensitivity means you may need to reapply sunscreen more often to be on the safe side.

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Not understanding what SPF numbers mean -

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It describes the amount of protection a sunscreen product provides from the sun's UVB radiation.

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Not understanding what SPF numbers mean -

For example, SPF 30 filters about 97% of the sun's UVB rays, while SPF 50 filters 98%. It does not indicate how long you can go without reapplying.

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Not understanding what SPF numbers mean -

It's recommended everyone use an SPF of at least 30, regardless of their skin tone, to protect their skin from damage. If you're prone to burning, pick a higher SPF.

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Not realizing sunscreen is old or expired -

Perhaps you're in a rush, or discover a rogue bottle of sunscreen when packing for your summer holiday. You might apply it without thinking, out of convenience.

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Not realizing sunscreen is old or expired -

Unfortunately, sunscreen has a shelf life. Upon opening, it's usually only effective for one to two years. Most will carry an expiry date. If the bottle is exposed to direct sunlight, this can also weaken its efficacy.

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Not realizing sunscreen is old or expired -

Store your sunscreen in a place that's cool and dark, and look out for a symbol on the back that indicates how long it remains effective after opening. A "12M" symbol means it's good for one year after opening, "24M" equates to two years.

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Missing a bit -

We've all done it! Some key places on the body get overlooked for whatever reason, or we forget to reapply cream onto them after swimming, sweating, or toweling. 

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Missing a bit -

If the skin hasn't been exposed to the sun much, it will also be more sensitive to it. The ears, hairline, feet, scalp, lips, armpits, knees, ankles, and between the toes are common places we forget to apply sunscreen.

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Counting on makeup SPF instead of applying sunscreen -

Many makeup foundations claim to offer a level of SPF protection. Again, it might be difficult to apply enough product to achieve the level stated, and it's less likely that makeup will be reapplied throughout the day.

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Counting on makeup SPF instead of applying sunscreen -

Sunscreen should always be applied to the skin first, before you begin your makeup routine, giving it enough time to sink in and be absorbed.

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Counting on makeup SPF instead of applying sunscreen -

If makeup is applied to the skin first, it might create a barrier that prevents the sunscreen from binding to the skin properly. This could lower the product's protection, or render it ineffective.

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Relying on sunscreen alone -

Lastly, with so much emphasis on sunscreen, a simple fact might be overlooked: no sunscreen offers 100% protection. There are other sun safety measures we need to take to avoid skin damage.

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Relying on sunscreen alone -

Staying out of the sun during the peak hours of heat, wearing a hat, covering up with loose layers, and staying in the shade will help to keep your skin protected alongside your favorite SPF.

Sources: (The Daily Mail)

See also: Celebrity-approved sunscreens for this summer

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