You wear sunscreen every day and walk freely under the sun. You think it’s okay because almost all the sun care tips online tell you that the sunscreen protects your skinWell, think again! You don’t really harness the power of your sunscreen if you’re not applying it correctly. One can still suffer from sunburn, damaged skin, or even skin cancer. Not to mention, the UV rays speed up ageing!

 

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The key to maximum sun care protection is knowing the proper application of sunscreen. Here are the common sunscreen mishaps you might be doing; and bonus sun care tips to correct them:

 

Only applying sunscreen before heading outdoors

Wearing sunscreen moments before stepping outside is ineffective. It takes approximately 15-30 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen you applied. You need to for your skin to completely absorb the protective ingredients before you go out. 

Insider Tip: Apply sunscreen on your face and body first before putting on your clothes and your makeup. 

Not applying enough sunscreen

When it comes to sunscreen, less is not more. Dabbing a little amount is not enough to get the full benefit of SPF protection as advertised. Don’t assume that a higher SPF can do all the work either. What matters more is you’re applying the a generous amount that your skin can absorb.

Insider Tip: Completely lather sunscreen on your face, torso, limbs, and legs. Choose primers, foundations, and lip balms with SPF too. 

You only apply sunscreen once

Most people think that one sunscreen application will help them get through the day. Guess what? Even the sunscreens labelled as “waterproof, ““long-acting” or “sweatproof” can wear off over time. It will most likely dissolve in the water as you swim. It will also slide off your skin together with your sweat as you exercise.  

Insider Tip: Make it a habit to reapply sunscreen after swimming and sweating heavily.

 

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Not checking the expiration date

You aren’t actually protecting your skin by using those old bottles of sunscreen. Help yourself up and buy some new stuff. As sunscreens age, its active ingredients deteriorates and becomes less effective. Most sunscreens have expiration dates two to three years from manufacturing date. However, germs contaminate opened bottles, which shortens its shelf life.

Insider Tip: Always check the product’s expiration date or put a visible label of the date of your purchase.  Let go of the sunscreen if starts clumping or if the oil starts to separate from the lotion.

Believing that higher SPFs have more protection

It is a common belief that using sunscreen with a high sun protector factor or SPF protects you the most. But in reality, high SPF products usually have higher chemical content which may cause more harm than good. Truth is, using a sunscreen with a higher SPF is will not protect you for longer, unless you reapply the product.

Insider Tip: It’s best to stick with sunscreens that have an at least SPF30 and not higher than SPF50.

We hope these sun care tips can save you from unwanted sunburns in the future.

 

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