Anne Arundel Dermatology > 10 Tips to Correctly Apply Sunscreen and Stay Safe in the Sun

10 Tips to Correctly Apply Sunscreen and Stay Safe in the Sun

July 6th, 2017
By Anne Arundel Dermatology

Sunscreen can protect your skin from aging and skin cancer, but if it isn’t applied correctly, it will be ineffective. You could be making some dangerous mistakes without even knowing! Here are some tips to make sure that you are optimizing the power of your sunscreen to keep your skin safe:

  1. Your sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher, should be water resistant and provide broad-spectrum coverage.
  2. Always apply your sunscreen before you go outside. It takes 15-20 minutes to fully absorb into your skin.
  3. Just because you apply a higher SPF, it doesn’t mean you can stay in the sun longer or reapply less often.
  4. Toss your sunscreen after a year. Expired lotion doesn’t provide proper protection because the chemicals become inactive over time.
  5. Don’t forget your ears, scalp, lips and the tops of your feet. These areas are very prone to sun burn and ultimately skin cancer.
  6. The best way to apply sunscreen is when you’re completely naked. When you have your swim suit on, you can miss important areas that could become exposed to sunlight.
  7. Use a sunscreen that is specifically designed for your face. Your facial skin can be more sensitive to irritation and face sunscreens account for that.
  8. If you use a spray sunscreen, always rub it in and then spray again. That way you won’t miss any spots.
  9. Reapply every 80 minutes, even if you’re using a water-resistant formula. This is just as important as applying it initially.
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