Are you an avid sunscreen wearer? You may be one, but are you sure you are using it the right way?
Whether you are a dedicated wearer of sunscreen or have just started using one, most people (wrongly) believe that just slathering it on your skin will do the job! What is the point of laying out your hard earned money on a sunscreen and not even being able to explore all the benefits?
In order to get the best of what your sunscreen has to offer, you need to avoid the following mistakes-
NOT WEARING A SUNSCREEN WHILE WORKING INDOORS OR DRIVING
The UVA rays can pass through the window glass causing skin damage, premature ageing and in worst cases, skin cancer! This means that you're probably exposed to harmful rays and skin damage even when you are inside. Thus, apply sunscreen 24/7, 365 days straight up.
NOT USING ENOUGH OF THE PRODUCT
A lot of people believe that applying a teeny weeny amount will protect your skin from sun damage. However, if you don't apply enough sunscreen, it won't provide you with the amount of protection it claims. At least a shot glass-sized dollop of the product should be used to cover the entire body.
SKIPPING SUNSCREEN ON CLOUDY DAYS
Most women would find themselves guilty of this! Just because it's overcast, doesn't mean your skin is safe from UV rays. These rays can still make their way through the dense layer of clouds. So, make sure you apply sunscreen even if it’s cool or cloudy outside.
APPLYING IT ONCE AND FORGETTING IT FOR THE REST OF THE DAY
A normal sunscreen wears off within two hours. Thus, it is always directed to reapply sunscreen at regular intervals all through the day. Make sure you do not skip re-applying sunscreen, especially when the rays are strongest i.e. between 11 am to 4 pm.
PICKING UP THE ONE WITH THE HIGHEST SPF
SPF stands for "sun protection factor". It is based on the amount of protection a sunscreen offers against the dangerous UV rays. But the SPF often confuses people. A lot of them believe, higher the SPF, better the protection! The difference between sunscreens with SPF 30, 50 and 100 are marginal. SPF 30 blocks out about 96 percent of UV rays. SPF 50, on the other hand, blocks just 2 percent more. Thus, using SPF 30 sunblock is sufficient enough to protect your skin from sun damage, given you reapply it on regular intervals.
USING THE SAME SUNSCREEN FOR GOING OUT TO A MALL AND PLAYING SPORTS
Most people use the same sunscreen for all occasions, whether they are hanging out outside, or going swimming. Sweat plays a great role in determining how long your sunscreen lasts. If you are going for shopping, or to a mall, the sunscreen may last long, but if you are out to play tennis or to swim, you will need a water resistant or sweat proof product.
NOT PROVIDING ENOUGH ATTENTION TO ALL PARTS
You may often notice tanning on top of eyelids, back of knees, ankles and more, which is probably because you do not pay enough attention to these parts while applying your sunscreen. You must apply a good amount of sunscreen to all exposed parts of your body 15 minutes before going outdoors.