Keeping your skin young and healthy means you need to shield it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. But many people make mistakes when it comes to sun protection, which can lead to sunburns early aging, and a higher chance of getting skin cancer.
In this article, you’ll learn five common sun protection mistakes you should steer clear of to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Mistake #1: Skipping Sunscreen or Picking the Wrong Kind
A big mistake people make is skipping sunscreen or picking the wrong kind. Sunscreen shields you from UV rays, so you need to grab one that blocks both UVA and UVB. When you’re shopping, look for SPF 30 or higher. Also, make sure it’s water-resistant and fits your skin type. If you’ve got sensitive skin, try a mineral-based one with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are easier on your skin.
Mistake #2: Skimping on Sunscreen or Forgetting to Put It on Again
Even with good sunscreen, you need to put it on right. An average adult should use about 1 ounce (a shot glass full) for their whole body. But most people use 25-50% of what they should, which makes it way less effective. You also need to put on more sunscreen every two hours, or sooner if you swim, sweat, or dry off with a towel. Sunscreen loses its power over time, so putting it on again keeps you safe from the sun. To cover yourself well, try the “Nickel Rule.” Use a nickel-sized blob for each main part of your body, like your face, neck, chest, arms, and legs.
Mistake #3: Failing to Protect Sensitive Body Parts
While it’s crucial to put sunscreen on all exposed skin, some sensitive spots often slip your mind, like your lips, ears, scalp, hands, and feet. Your lips’ delicate skin can get sun-damaged, so you need to use a lip balm or lipstick with SPF. People often miss their ears, including the outer edges and behind them, so you should cover them well. If your hair is thinning or if you have a part, your scalp needs protection too. You might want to use a sunscreen made just for the scalp. You also shouldn’t forget to apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands and tops of your feet, as these areas can show signs of sun damage. To make sure you’re protected from the sun, you need to pay extra attention to these sensitive areas when you put on and reapply sunscreen.
Mistake #4: Relying Solely on Sunscreen to Protect You From the Sun
Sunscreen plays a crucial role, but it shouldn’t be your only defense. You need to use sunscreen along with other sun-safe habits like finding shade, putting on protective clothes, like IBKUL clothing, and staying out of the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. Trees, umbrellas, or other structures can help you avoid direct sunlight. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses can guard your skin against the sun’s rays. When you adopt these practices, you boost how well sunscreen works and give your skin complete protection.
Conclusion
To wrap up, taking care of your skin means being smart about sun protection. When you steer clear of these five common slip-ups, you lower your chances of getting sunburned, looking older too soon, and developing skin cancer.
