The Do’s and Don’ts of Applying Sunscreen

Applying a generous amount of sunscreen to your face and body is something you should do on a regular basis to protect yourself from the sun and its harsh rays. Without proper protection, you’re putting yourself at risk of getting sunburn, aging your skin, and potentially dealing with skin cancer down the road. If that is the kind of risk you don’t want to take, check out this comprehensive list of things you should and should not do when applying your sunscreen.

DO: Choose SPF 30 Sunscreen

The main purpose of wearing sunscreen is to protect your skin from the harsh UV rays that can cause skin cancer to develop on the body. It’s for that very reason you should make sure to select a leading brand of SPF 30 sunscreen to maximize the amount of protection you’ll receive while spending time in the sun. This level of sunscreen has the ability to block roughly 97 percent of the radiation, which is the type of protection you need.

DO: Reapply Sunscreen After Getting Wet

You may have purchased waterproof sunscreen bottles in the past, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reapply the sunscreen after spending time in the ocean water or hanging out in the pool. Despite the claims that may be displayed on the bottle, the water will wash away some of the sunscreen you have put on your body, and that means you won’t be getting enough protection when you head back out into the sun. If you’re going to get in the pool for a bit and then plan to hang out on the beach, make sure you’re taking a few extra minutes to apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your body.

DON’T: Expect One Application to Last All Day Long

Some people wear sunscreen and still get burnt. They may wonder why they’re dealing with sunburn if they’ve applied their sunscreen before heading outside for the day. However, most of those people have only applied the sunscreen once and expected it to last for the entire day. While you’re walking around or participating in different activities on a hot day, you’re bound to start sweating. As you start to sweat, some of the sunscreen you’re wearing may become less effective. Keep yourself protected by remembering to apply your sunscreen every two hours to maximize coverage.

DON’T: Expect Full Coverage From Spray-On Sunscreen

Many people love the convenience of using those bottles of spray-on sunscreen. It’s as simple as it gets, but the coverage isn’t usually as even as it would be if you were applying the lotion directly to your skin. Consider using spray-on sunscreen as a finishing touch. It is something you should use after you’ve applied a layer of sunscreen lotion to your entire face and body.

Protecting your skin from the sun is important. If you have any skin-related concerns, visit Windsor Dermatology located in Windsor, New Jersey. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call the office at 609-443-4500.

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