It’s common knowledge that using sunscreens will help prevent skin damage. However, not many people know how to use sunscreen products wisely. Here are some tips to be smart about sunscreens.
Apply Sunscreens Generously
Because sunscreens can be costly, most people try to use them sparingly. In fact, most people only use about a-fifth to half of the required amount each time, giving them only a fraction of the sun protection factor (SPF) that they think they are getting. Use sunscreens with a SPF rating of 30 or more. The Cancer Council Australia recommends that each adult applies one teaspoon of sunscreen on each arm, each leg, the back , the face and neck (including the ears) and torso. Yes, that's a lot of sunscreen but that's the way to do it!
Reapply Sunscreen Every Few Hours
Sunscreen products are easily removed after playing sports or swimming. That’s why dermatologists advise people to reapply sunscreen every few hours. Those who find reapplying sunscreen inconvenient can opt for the use of a water-resistant sunscreen. A one-time application is sufficient as long as the cream isn’t wiped off. That means swimmers who use water-resistant sunscreens should reapply another coat if they rub themselves dry with towels after swimming.
Stay in the Shade Even with Sunscreen
Some people mistakenly believe that it’s okay to have direct or excessive sun exposure as long as they have applied sunscreens generously all over their bodies. The fact is sunscreens only block out parts of ultraviolet rays and even sunscreen products with the highest SPF will not be able to give complete sun protection. So the best thing to do is to apply a sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat and stay in the shade.
Use Sunscreens Whenever Outdoors
Is a short time out in the hot sun without protection okay? Not really. Even briefly being exposed to intense ultraviolet rays, especially in summer, can cause severe skin damage and lead to skin cancer. Also, a cool or cloudy day doesn’t mean the sun is not sending out harmful ultraviolet rays. So use sunscreens whenever outdoors, even for a short time and on cool and cloudy days.
Avoid Using Low SPF Sunscreens to Get a Tan
Being tanned is all the rage. It’s been linked with sexiness and good health. The fact is the amount of sunlight needed to tan the skin also has the potential to cause severe skin damage and skin cancer. So don’t use a low SPF sunscreen or use sunscreen only very sparingly in the hope of getting a tan.
Using sunscreen products wisely is crucial to get the best possible sun protection. Avoid common sunscreen mistakes with the following approaches – apply sunscreens generously, reapply the sunscreen every few hours, stay in the shade even with a sunscreen, us a sunscreen whenever outdoor and avoid using a low SPF sunscreen to get a tan.
Those who find this article useful may also like to read Sun Protection Tips and Sun Protection for Young Children.
References:
Hugh Molloy and Garry Egger. Skin Fitness. New South Wales: Allen & Unwin, 2008
Lee Bentley. “What’s your Sunscreen IQ?” in Everybody magazine. Australia: Good Life Publications, Summer 2009.
Wei Yin Wong - I started my working life as a reporter at an English daily called The Sun in Malaysia 16 years ago, writing health-related articles. ...
