Sun Protection Basics: What’s the Right Way to Apply Sunscreen?

 

As spring and summer arrive, temperatures increase drastically, and we’re all spending more time outdoors, dermatologists stress that it’s time to discuss sun safety. Sunscreens are one of the most important things to include in any skin care routine. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, they can reduce the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 50 percent when properly and consistently applied. Sunscreens are sprays, lotions, gels, or waxes that work by absorbing and scattering UV rays from sunlight. If you’re using any sunscreen at all, you’re on the right track when it comes to defending your skin, avoiding sunburns, and delaying signs of premature aging, but it turns out, there is actually a right and wrong way to use sunscreens. The risk of skin cancer, warns Naples’ Skin Wellness Physicians, is significantly higher if you spend a lot of time exposed to the sun’s rays while exercising outside or at the beach but leave your skin unprotected.

Of course, there’s no sense in going to the effort of purchasing and wearing sunscreen if it won’t actually block UV rays. Even the most skincare-savvy people may not realize that they’re missing out on important steps. Continue reading for some simple guidelines for using sunscreens more effectively:

• Don’t Skip Parts of Your Face

The areas where skin cancers occur most frequently are the face and neck. These are also the areas that tend to be exposed to the sun most often. Research suggests that most people forget about 10 percent of their face when they’re applying sunscreen, including high-risk areas like the bridge of the nose and on or around the eyelids. The scalp, ears, lips, and neck are other areas people often neglect. Also apply a lip balm containing SPF, as the skin on the lips is very fragile and prone to damage.

• Apply It Early

If you’ve already been exposed to harsh sunlight before you’ve applied sunscreen, chances are good that your skin has already been affected by the UV rays. Apply sunscreen to dry skin about 15 minutes or longer before you go out to give it enough time to be absorbed properly.

• Reapply It Frequently

It usually isn’t enough to just use one layer of sunscreen, especially if you’re going to be swimming or you’ve been sweating a lot. A sunscreen’s effectiveness gradually wears off, so some experts recommend applying it every two hours. You should also apply it after you swim, even if you put a layer on right before getting in the pool or ocean.

• Boost Sunscreen by Using It Together with Antioxidants

Even high-SPF sunscreens don’t completely deflect UV radiation, and they won’t protect your skin from infrared radiation. Topical antioxidants, such as products containing vitamins C and E, are complementary to sunscreen due to their ability to neutralize free radicals. They provide additional protection against aggressors that sunscreens don’t block. Apply an antioxidant serum in addition to your normal sunscreen.

• Combine It With Other Sun Protection Methods

Sunscreen does offer some protection, but you shouldn’t rely on topical lotions on their own. It isn’t always practical to use sunscreen on certain areas—such as sensitive skin prone to irritation—so combine lotions with sunglasses, hats, and other protective clothing. You can also avoid sunlight when the rays are most intense during the daytime by staying in the shade or indoors.

• Use it Even When You Don’t Think You Need It

Plenty of people assume that the only time they need sunscreen is when they’re about to spend a full day at the beach, at the pool, or playing sports outside. Regardless of your location, you should be applying sunscreen every day, even if you spend most of your time indoors (don’t forget that UV radiation can penetrate glass windows) or it’s cloudy or snowing.

For more tips on sun protection to reduce the risk of skin cancer, talk to Naples’ Skin Wellness Physicians. Call (239) 732-0044, or send a message online to request a consultation and learn more about medical and cosmetic dermatology.