The understanding that excessive sun exposure is harmful to our skin is finally becoming more widespread. It is the foremost cause of skin cancer and also accelerates aging, leads to wrinkles, causes discoloration and results in a rough skin texture.
While most people recognize the importance of using sunscreen, many still find themselves getting burned.
“Most people use less than half the effective amount of sunscreen, do not reapply it often enough or use expired products,” said Dr. Emily Anderi, a family medicine specialist at Henry Ford. “Even those who do it right may only think of using sunscreen in the summer, and only when the sun is shining brightly.”
Tips for proper sunscreen use
The reality is that our skin is exposed to harmful UV rays every time we walk outside, whether we are walking, riding or driving -- regardless of the season. Sunscreen is essential year-round, even on cold or overcast days.
“Applying a sunscreen every morning is a good daily practice, but in some cases, that isn’t enough protection,” Anderi said.
She provided six tips for proper sunscreen use to maintain healthy, youthful skin:
- Go for 30 SPF or higher: The best choice has an SPF of at least 30, which blocks about 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Make sure it provides broad-spectrum coverage, is water-resistant and hasn’t expired.
- Less is not more: When people don’t use enough sunscreen, it leads to inadequate protection and skin damage. You need at least 1 ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to ensure both your face and body are covered. It should be enough to fill a shot glass or the palm of your hand. For your face alone, use a quarter teaspoon of sunscreen.
- Know which type to use: Sunscreen products are generally categorized into two types: chemical and mineral. Mineral sunscreens act as a physical barrier on the skin and are effective immediately, while chemical sunscreens take time to absorb into the skin before they provide protection. If you opt for a chemical sunscreen, apply it at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.
- First line of defense: Sunscreen should be the first layer applied to your face, followed by moisturizer and then makeup. Many newer formulations of sunscreen can even act as a primer for your makeup and feel great on the skin. For reapplication throughout the day, consider a loose-powder mineral sunscreen that can be applied seamlessly over makeup.
- Cover everything: Apply sunscreen to all bare skin, including your face, neck, ears, hands, back, back of the legs and the tops of your feet. If your hair is very short or thin, apply sunscreen to your scalp or wear a hat. Don’t forget lip balm with SPF. It’s best to apply sunscreen to your entire body before getting dressed to avoid missing any spots.
- Reapply: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if you are sweating or after swimming.
If someone uses sunscreen and still burns, they’re likely missing one of the tips above.
If someone wants to take extra measures to protect their skin, they can avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., seek shade and wear UV-protective clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 25 or higher, along with a wide-brimmed hat.
“Some think that a tan looks healthy, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin,” warned Anderi. “If you can’t give up the golden glow, stick to sunless tanners.”
If you experience sunburn over a large area of your body accompanied by blisters, fever, chills, pain, or nausea, seek medical treatment.