Summer may be the best time to catch the sun, and it’s so easy to forget about the dangers of sun exposure while you are soaking up and having fun in the sand. Think about the three million people who suffer from skin cancers, that is, according to reports made by the World Health Organization. Do not ever neglect either that, in the US, skin cancer happens to be the number one cause of cancer, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Don’t ever have to regret this summer by taking note of these biggest mistakes you probably make when it comes to your sunscreen, and making the necessary corrections so you don’t end up being sorry later on for not doing the right thing.
- You don’t think broad spectrum protection. Even the best anti wrinkle cream reviews make sure that the products awarded with top honors include daytime sunscreens and moisturizers with sunscreens that provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a minimum SPF of 15. That’s because SPF only measures UVB and the time it takes for your skin to burn. A broad spectrum protection, on the other hand, means that your skin is protected from both UVA and UVB. UVA is what causes wrinkles, age spots and other signs of skin aging to appear.
- You don’t care to read about your product. It’s important that you know what you are putting on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you should try mineral sunscreens that are stripped of harsh chemical sunscreen actives to provide you with ample UV protection. However, if you are expecting to do water sports activities, you may still have to resort to water resistant chemical sunscreens.
- You don’t get antioxidants from your sunscreen. The best sunscreens fold in antioxidant. These provide another layer of protection from UV while also protecting your skin from cell damaging free radicals.
- You’re not being consistent with your sunscreen application. In an Instagram post, Hugh Jackman who has earlier admitted to getting treatment for skin cancer since 2013, was seen holding up a banner that reads, “Wolverine says wear sunscreen! Yes… Even in New York”. Even when it’s dark, gloomy or stormy, wear sunscreen. Make no exceptions if you don’t want to be a statistic.
- You use the same sunscreen brand and type no matter what. Sunscreen, as a protective product, needs to be potent enough to provide you with protection. That means your daily sunscreen may not be able to provide you with suitable protection when you’re out surfing. Read the labels because the cues there, such as “Active” and “water resistant” are all important for you to make a suitable selection.
- You don’t cover every corner of your skin. You fail to get every inch of your skin covered. For areas that are hard-to-reach, sign up help from a friend or, consider getting yourself a spray on sunscreen for use on those difficult areas. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your toes, eye area, lips, hair and scalp.
- You don’t give your sunscreen enough time to become activated. That’s why it says on most labels to apply the product at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Make sure you follow that use instruction.
- You neglect reapplication. Most of the time, it’s because reapplication will ruin your makeup. The best anti wrinkle cream reviews even emphasize the importance of sun protection infused in day creams but, if you fail to reapply, the protection is lost. Consider getting a spray on sunscreen if you will be wearing makeup.
- You put too much faith in your sunscreen. You have to trust your sunscreen indeed but, relying on it to provide you with all the sun protection you need is unreasonable. When it comes to sun protection, remember that you don’t just need a sunscreen but, you need a sun care strategy. That means, you call in the reinforcements: the hat, the sunglasses, the clothes, even an umbrella.
- Get rid of sunscreen residues. Sunscreens are one of the most toxic personal care products. Avoid irritation and damage by showering it off at the end of the day.
Conclusion
Ain’t summer so much more fun when you have peace of mind? So, think hard about how you are protecting your skin from UV because once the damage has been done, there will be no turning back.