SPF Smarts: How to Use Sunscreen the Right Way
As you get older, you’ll likely wish you had often told yourself, “Wear sunscreen.” Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial, and sunscreen should be a key component of your skincare regimen.
But how much sunscreen should you use, and when should you apply it? Also, what type of sunscreen should you choose? Knowing how to use sunscreen effectively can significantly help prevent premature aging, lower your risk of skin cancer, and keep your skin looking healthy, firm, and radiant.
Choosing the Best Sunscreen
Before discussing how to use sunscreen, let’s discuss how to select a product that will protect you from sunburn and lower your risk of skin cancer. The array of sunscreens to choose from can seem daunting, but some criteria can narrow down your choices. First, opt for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
The label on the sunscreen should indicate that it protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays are associated with skin cancer, while UVB rays cause skin damage and sunburn. To account for sweating or getting wet, choose a water-resistant sunscreen.
Cosmetics and skincare products that contain SPF are no substitute for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. The amount of foundation or moisturizer that you typically apply will never be enough to provide adequate coverage, even if it claims to be “SPF 50”. Therefore, it should not be used as a stand-alone sunscreen. However, feel free to use both products together.
How to Apply Sunscreen
One of the most common mistakes people make with sunscreen is not using enough. To achieve complete coverage with sunscreen, most adults require approximately one ounce for all uncovered skin. This is about the size of a shot glass or a golf ball. Depending on your body size, you may need more.
Ensure that you rub the sunscreen in thoroughly, but don’t dart outside right away. It takes up to 30 minutes for your skin to adequately absorb sunscreen. Therefore, plan ahead so that you don’t get sunburned before your product has a chance to work.
Another common sunscreen mishap is forgetting to apply sunscreen to the neck, feet, ears, and other often-neglected areas. If you typically use lotion but struggle to reach your back, a spray might be a good alternative, or consider asking someone for help. Apply sunscreen to your scalp or wear a wide-brimmed hat if you have thinning hair. Also, invest in some lip balm with an SPF of at least 30.
Once you initially apply your sunscreen, it’s easy to forget about it when you’ve been having fun outdoors all afternoon. However, your initial application only lasts a couple of hours. Always remember to reapply every two hours, right after swimming, and when you’ve been sweating.
Although a powerful tool in preventing sun damage and skin cancer, sunscreen won’t provide complete protection. Be sure to take advantage of sun-protective clothing, tightly woven hats or head coverings, and wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection. You can also avoid the outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest.
If you have a smartphone or smartwatch, use a weather app that gives you up-to-the-minute UV index levels. Wear extra sunscreen and protection if the UV index is at 3 or above.
From Sunscreen to Skin Repair, Everglow Has You Covered
Remember that you expose your skin to harmful UV rays every time you go outside, even when it’s cloudy or cold. Always have quality sunscreen on hand. To take extra care of your skin, contact Everglow Medical Spa to ask about their line of medical-grade Circadia products, which includes sunscreen.
If you experience any sun damage, a skincare expert at our skincare clinic can examine your skin and recommend treatments to help rejuvenate and restore your skin’s vibrancy. If you schedule an appointment with us, we can discuss your skincare goals, recommend regenerative therapies, and provide guidance on skin-protection tips for enjoying the outdoors.