Sunscreen is an important step in our skincare routine, yet lot of people make mistakes when dealing with its application.
Bringing to you at Sphere Medium, top ten sunscreen mistakes that you might be making, which unintentionally might be harming your skin. Also note that, apart from protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, sunscreen is the No. 1 anti-aging tool! Let’s go through the list and learn about the mistakes.
Top 10 Sunscreen Mistakes
Mistake #1: Applying sunscreen only when going out
Many of us only apply sunscreen if we’re going out of the house. We generally assume that we are only exposed to UV rays when going outside of the house. That is partially true when we’re outside; we are bombarded with a lot of UV radiation.
However, the mistake is thinking that we are safe from radiation when we’re inside the house. When we’re in the house, we’re still exposed to high degrees or high levels of UV rays, which come in through the cracks in doors as well as windows. Now if we stay indoors and without sunscreen, what happens is that the reflection of UV radiation that comes from opposing buildings and opposing cars gets into our room and into our skin and then damages it. Hence, one should always apply sunscreen, even if they’re still in the house.
Make it a habit to apply sunscreen every morning, right after the shower or after you’ve changed. The best part is to allow the sunscreen to set for 10 to 15 minutes before exiting the house so that your skin gets the maximum protection from your sunscreen. So remember, even if you’re not leaving the house, you have to apply sunscreen.
Mistake #2: Not Applying Enough Sunscreen
There were studies done that show that most people actually do not apply adequate sunscreen, so if you’re applying an SPF 50, you end up applying so little that it gives you SPF 5 to 10 protection. Reason being, a lot of people think that applying a little bit of sunscreen is sufficient. Or if the sunscreen they are applying is too sticky, leaves white cast or is uncomfortable for their skin, they end up applying it inadequately.
To learn how to deal with White cast of sunblock please read “How to Avoid the White Cast of Sunscreen: Tips and Tricks for a Seamless Glow” at Sphere Medium.
Tips for measuring the right amount:
Do you know that one of the common sunscreen mistakes is not applying the recommended dose, which is a quarter of a teaspoon or roughly one ounce of sunscreen to the face?
An easier approach is to apply two finger lengths of sunscreen, which means you put your sunscreen from the top of your finger to the base of your index finger and your middle finger, and then apply it only to the face. This should be able to give you sufficient protection from UV radiation.
Mistake #3: Higher the SPF longer, can we stay in the sun/SPF confusion
One major mistake most people make is thinking that spf 35 means that you can stay up to 35 minutes in the sun, and spf 50 means you can stay up to 50 minutes without reapplying sunscreen. However, this is actually false.
The spf rating shows the percentage of UV radiation that’s blocked, so for example, spf 35 blocks roughly 97 percent of all UV radiation, spf 50 blocks 98, and spf 100 blocks around 99, so it does not actually correlate to how long the sunscreen can last on your skin.
Mistake #4: Not Reapplying Often
All sunscreen lasts roughly the same amount of time, which is just a couple of hours. Now, the longer you stay in the sun and more you sweat, the shorter the duration of sunscreen that can last on your skin. So remember, higher spf is good, but you need to reapply your sunscreen every two to three hours.
Mistake #5: Using Old or Expired Sunscreen
If you use expired sunscreen, then it increases your chances of getting sunburn and potential sun damage because it just becomes a regular moisturizer without any UV filters in it.
Tips for checking expiration dates and storing sunscreen properly .The expiration date is usually mentioned on the top or bottom of the bottle; check that. Also, there’s always a tiny bottle with the lid open and a number inside (6, 9, or 12), which means that the product is good for 6, 9 or 12 months after opening.
Also, make sure to store it in a cool, dark spot. Optimum temperature for storing is 25 degrees centigrade.
Mistake #6:Avoid clear of sunscreen mistakes by not depending just on makeup to cover from the sun.
Nowadays, there are tons of moisturizers and makeup that come with their own SPF. A lot of people take it as an excuse to skip sunscreen, but this is actually wrong.
The spf rating is based on the measurement of a quarter of a teaspoon. This means that in order for you to get the particular spf that is stated on your moisturizer, you need to apply a quarter of a teaspoon of moisture to your skin, and that is the same with makeup as well. However, most of us only apply a little bit of moisturizer and just a teeny tiny bit of makeup on the skin, and because of that, it gives you very little spf protection.
Also, the spf in your moisturizer and your makeup is not water resistant, which means the moment you have a little bit of sweat, it actually washes off.
The best way around it is that even though your moisturizer and your makeup already contain spf, please apply sunscreen over the top because you want the maximum protection for your skin.
Mistake #7: Not Using Sunscreen in Combination with Other Sun Protection Methods
It is important to include a physical barrier in your outfit. It may be a hat or scarf or UV visor, which is quite popular in Japan. Infact, it’s the trending style statement there. Don’t just rely on your sunscreen; try to wear sun protective clothing along your sunscreen.
Mistake #8: Avoid Sunscreen Mistakes by not mixing Serums or Lotions in Sunscreen
Some people feel that their sunscreen is not hydrating enough, so they tend to mix their hyaluronic acid serums or lotions with sunscreen. Never ever do that, because this way you are breaking up the UV filters. Formulating sunscreen is the toughest thing in skincare, and we shouldn’t be messing up with its efficacy. So if you feel you want hydrating sunscreen, then opt for Korean sunscreen. Choose silicon-based sunscreen if you feel your sunscreen is too oily.
Mistake #9: Should Moisturizer/ Serum Go First or Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is your last layer. Moisturizer should go before sunscreen. In the summer, many of us may get away with not applying moisturizer, but in the winter, sunscreen should be applied on top of your moisturizer. Remember, you don’t want to mess up those UV filters.
Mistake #10: Expensive Sunscreen Gives Better Protection
There’s a very famous saying that you get what you pay for, but in terms of sunscreen, that’s not the case. The most important thing about a sunscreen is the spf factor, which means how much sun rays it actually blocks, whether it’s a physical sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen, or a hybrid sunscreen, and lastly, whether it is suitable for your skin, so the price of the sunscreen doesn’t really matter.
A cheap 5dollar spf 50 sunscreen works as well as an expensive 100 dollar spf 50 sunscreen. The most important thing is that you have to apply them consistently and remember to reapply them in the afternoons.
If you’re price sensitive regarding your skincare product, you can always swap out the more expensive sunscreen for a cheaper one because it works roughly the same.
Hoping I haven’t missed any sunscreen mistakes, but if I have, feel free to ask in the comments. Remember to stay safe, stay healthy, and most importantly, stay informed.
Also at Spheremedium, your portal to enlightened perspectives, I’d encourage you to go through these articles as they are all interrelated.
“Sunscreen Smarts: Physical vs Chemical Sunscreens – What’s the Difference?”
“Why Korean Sunblocks Stand Out: Unlocking the Secrets of Advanced Sun Protection”
FAQs
Most common mistake is not applying recommended amount of sunblock.
For face use 2 finger length full of sunblock .
Recommended amount of sunblock for every part of exposed body is one ounce or roughly the size of golf ball.
No, sunblock doesn’t prevent tanning, it keeps you safe from harmful UV rays which in turn reduces cancer risk and quick aging .
Useful Links
- 7 Sunscreen Mistakes That Hurt Your Skin
I am a dentist, baker, and fitness and health enthusiast with a passion for living life to the fullest. I am foodie and explorer, always seeking new adventures and flavors. Currently working on my own skincare brand.
14 Comments
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. https://www.binance.com/vi/register?ref=WTOZ531Y
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article. https://www.binance.com/ka-GE/join?ref=RQUR4BEO
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.