By Milcah Tanimu
Applying sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but many people make common mistakes that can reduce its effectiveness.
1. **Applying Too Little Sunscreen**: Many people don’t use enough sunscreen, which can lead to reduced SPF protection. To achieve the full SPF listed on the product, you need to apply at least one ounce (about a shot glass full) to your entire body on sunny days. For your face, use a coin-sized amount.
2. **Only Applying Sunscreen on Sunny Days**: Sunscreen should be applied every day, regardless of the weather. UV rays can penetrate clouds, so you still need protection on overcast days.
3. **Neglecting Key Areas**: Important but often overlooked areas include the eyelids, lips, nose, ears, and the back of the neck. Use a lip balm with SPF 15 for your lips and make sure to cover these areas thoroughly.
4. **Applying Sunscreen Only Once**: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating or swimming. Even water-resistant sunscreens are effective for only 40 to 80 minutes in the water.
5. **Not Reapplying After Sweating**: After sweating heavily, you should clean your face and reapply sunscreen. Applying it over sweat can clog pores and reduce its effectiveness.
For optimal protection, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
