Sunscreen: You Are Probably Doing It Wrong

After all the years of nagging we have had about sunscreen, we were surprised that most people aren’t using sunscreen correctly.

The good news is that the number of people who use sunscreen has gone up a lot in the past ten years. The bad news is that people aren’t getting the protection they think they are from their sunscreen because they are not using it correctly. So here is a little primer on how to get the most benefit from sunscreen.

YES, YOU NEED IT, EVEN IN THE SHADE

Concrete, sand, water (and snow) reflect up to 85% of the sun’s UV rays. The rays will still reflect off these surfaces and burn you when you are in the shade. Even in the shade, you still need to protect yourself.

IF YOU ARE ALREADY IN THE SUN, YOU HAVE WAITED TOO LONG

On instant gratification, it can be easy to forget that sunscreen needs time to set in this world. Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors for maximum protection.

MAKE SURE YOU USE ENOUGH

Most people only apply 25-50 per cent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. Depending on your body size, experts recommend using enough lotion to fill a shot glass or an ounce when you’re going outdoors.

YOU NEED TO APPLY IT MORE OFTEN THAN YOU THINK

Sweating and swimming wash your sunscreen off. Even if the bottle says waterproof, you need to reapply after swimming or working out. Even if you are resting in a beach chair, you need to reapply for at least 2 hours. People with fair skin should reapply every hour, even if they wear SPF 5000.

SPOTS YOU ARE LIKELY TO FORGET

Men and women tend to neglect the tops of their ears and the tops of their feet. Women at more likely to forget the chest and neck areas, while men are more likely to forget the scalp and back of the neck. Be sure to cover it all.

DON’T FORGET THE LIP BALM

Sunburned lips are not only painful, but they can make you look like a refugee from the apocalypse. Wear a lip balm with SPF 30-50. The same rules apply here: reapply every two hours after eating and drinking.

MORE IS NOT BETTER

Using a very high SPF sunscreen often makes people think they can go all day without reapplying their sunscreen, and that isn’t true. You still need to apply every two hours. According to Consumer reports, almost half of all sunscreens are not delivering the SPF they claim.

WHAT ABOUT SPRAY-ON SUNSCREENS?

Spray-On Sunscreens is a tricky one. Not even the Food and Drug Administration is sure they are safe, and we still don’t know how effective they are or whether inhaling them can be dangerous.

While some medical professionals suggest you not use them, they are better than nothing. If you use them, make sure to apply them indoors in a well-ventilated area, and never spray directly on the face. Trying to apply it on the beach could lead to much of it flying away in the wind, leaving you with inadequate protection. Though there’s no quantifiable standard like the shot glass of lotion, spray users create an even sheen on the skin.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Because you’re probably taking your phone to the beach, you could rely on it, instead of your faulty memory, to remind you that it’s time to reapply. Android and iOS are rife with free and inexpensive apps that could alert you when you need them.

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