As summer approaches and days get longer, it’s crucial to shield your face and body with sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

However, despite applying sunscreen quite often, many people are making mistakes that could expose their skin to a higher risk of sun damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

Here are the most common sunscreen mistakes:

1. Not Using Enough Sunscreen

Using enough and proper amount of sunscreen is essential. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. To get the full benefits of protection, we need to apply around two tablespoons of sunscreen on our body.

Another common mistake is not reapplying the sunscreen frequently. To enjoy the full benefits of the sunscreen, make sure to reapply it every two to three hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

2. Applying Sunscreen Incorrectly

Applying sunscreen is not just about slathering it on. There are ways you can apply it correctly. First, apply it 15-20 minutes before sun exposure to allow your skin to absorb fully.

Second, apply it uniformly on all areas of your skin, especially on the hands, the neck, ears, face, and feet. People often forget these areas, but they are also exposed to the sun, and, therefore, they need protection from the sun.

3. Using Expired Sunscreen

Sunscreen doesn’t last forever. Most sunscreens expire after 2-3 years, and after that period, their effectiveness begins to fade. Using expired sunscreen could render it useless and ineffective, leading to skin damage.

Therefore, it is crucial to check sunscreen expiry and dispose of expired ones.

4. Believing that You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days

Many people skip sunscreen on cloudy days, thinking that the sun’s rays cannot harm their skin. However, UV rays from the sun can damage your skin even on overcast days, so it is essential to apply sunscreen regardless of the cloud cover.

5. Not Looking for Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Protection

There are two types of harmful UV rays:UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, breaking down the collagen in the skin, and causing premature wrinkles. On the other hand, UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer over time.

To protect against both types of UV rays, it is essential to use broad-spectrum sunscreen, which provides protection against UVA and UVB rays.

6. Relying on a Single Sunscreen Product

Some people like to stick to a single sunscreen brand or product without considering that not all sunscreens are created equal. Different sunscreen products have different levels of SPF and broad-spectrum protection.

It is essential to choose a sunscreen product that has at least an SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection, and if possible, try different products to determine which one works best for you and your skin type.

7. Using Chemical Sunscreens That Contain Harmful Ingredients

Some sunscreen ingredients can cause skin irritation or even lead to hormone disruption. Some of the harmful chemicals that you need to look out for include oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, and parabens.

Therefore, it is necessary to read the ingredients list before purchasing sunscreen products.

8. Not Protecting the Lips

Many people forget that the lips get exposed to the sun, just like any other part of the body. Lips can get sunburned, chapped, and even develop skin cancer.

Therefore, it is essential to use a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 15 and ideally a moisturizing formula.

9. Not Using Sunscreen on Time

For sunscreen to be effective, you should apply it early to allow time for it to absorb into the skin. Many people apply sunscreen only after they arrive at the beach.

Instead, it’s better to apply sunscreen thirty minutes before going outside in the sun.

10. Wearing Inadequate Clothes for Sun Protection

Your clothing could play a role in your skin’s exposure to the sun. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing can provide more protection against sun exposure than tight, dark-colored clothing.

Additionally, there’s clothing now available that has built-in sun protection, and it is best to wear these pieces to help shield the skin from harmful UV rays.

It is essential to take time and review your sunscreen habits to ensure you are on the right path to protect your skin from exposure to the sun.

Avoiding these common mistakes will help you get the full benefits of sunscreen, keeping your skin healthy and glowing all year round!.