As temperatures rise and sun exposure increases, sunscreen becomes a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. But here’s the catch: simply buying any sunscreen off the shelf isn’t enough.
How you choose
and use sunscreen can make a significant difference in how well it protects your skin. So, before you pick your next bottle, here are some common sunscreen mistakes you should avoid.
Choosing Wrong SPF: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you select a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
Ignoring “Broad-Spectrum” Protection: Not all sunscreens protect against both types of harmful rays. UVB rays cause sunburn, but UVA rays penetrate deeper, contributing to premature ageing and increasing skin cancer risk.
Always look for “broad-spectrum” on the label. This ensures protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Water-resistant formula: Many people overlook how long sunscreen remains effective on wet or sweaty skin. Always check the label to see how long it lasts before you need to reapply. It is pertinent to note that no sunscreen is completely waterproof; most last from 40 to 80 minutes, hence reapplication is important.
Also read- Don’t Let Summer Heat Melt Your Makeup, Try These Easy Fixes To Save Your Look
Ignoring Your Skin Type: Not all sunscreens suit every skin type, and choosing the wrong one can lead to breakouts or irritation. Choosing the right formula ensures you actually stick to using it daily.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Look for gel-based or non-comedogenic formulas
- Dry skin: Cream-based sunscreens with hydrating ingredients work better
- Sensitive skin: Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often gentler
People don’t just make mistakes while buying sunscreen—they often get it wrong during application too. Here are some common slip-ups that could be reducing its effectiveness.
Using Too Little Sunscreen: One of the most common mistakes is under-applying sunscreen. Most people apply only 25–50% of the recommended amount.
If you’re not using enough, even the best sunscreen won’t work effectively. Dermatologists suggest about a coin-sized amount for the face, and around a shot glass (30 ml) for the entire body.
Skipping Reapplication: Applying sunscreen once in the morning is not enough, especially in summer.
Sunscreen wears off due to sweat, water, and natural skin oils. Dermatologists recommend reapplying every 2 hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
Applying Sunscreen Too Late: Sunscreen needs time to bind to your skin. Chemical sunscreens should be applied 15–20 minutes before sun exposure. Mineral sunscreens work immediately, but still benefit from early application
Applying it right before stepping out reduces its effectiveness.
Skipping Sunscreen On Cloudy Days: UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning your skin is still at risk even when the sun is not visible. Sunscreen should be applied at least once daily, regardless of the weather.
