6 Sunscreen Mistakes You Should Avoid

By now, you are probably well aware about the dangers of excessive sun exposure. You understand how important sunscreen is and that you should apply it before you go outdoors. However, it is possible to wear sunscreen incorrectly. Here are six sunscreen mistakes you should avoid:

You Only Apply Your Sunscreen Once

If you plan on being out in the sun all day, applying your sunscreen just in the morning is not enough. Sunscreen can actually wear off pretty quickly and will not be as effective. If you are sweating a lot, your sunscreen can wear off even faster. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should reapply your sunscreen every two hours.

You Do not Apply Sunscreen in the Winter

The sun might not feel as hot during the winter, but it can still damage your skin. Even if the temperatures are below freezing, apply sunscreen before you leave the house. It is still possible to get a bad sunburn in the wintertime.

You Think There's Enough SPF in Your Foundation

If you wear foundation that contains SPF, you might think it is enough to protect your skin. However, that is far from the truth. Makeup actually doesn't contain enough SPF to prevent your skin from getting sunburned. It is important to apply sunscreen under your makeup.

You Think Sunscreen is the Only Way to Protect Against the Sun

While wearing sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent sunburns, it is  not the only way. If you want the the best protection possible, you should also wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt in the sun.

You Use the Same Sunscreen Too Long

Sunscreen is not meant to last forever. Once it reaches its expiration date, it will not be able to adequately protect your skin against the sun's ultraviolet rays. Check the expiration date on your sunscreen bottle before you apply it to your skin.

You Don't Protect Your Lips

Your lips are very sensitive and can get sunburned if they're not protected. It is a wise idea to apply a lip balm with SPF to your lips throughout the day.

Keep your skin healthy by avoiding these common sunscreen mistakes. Even if your skin looks perfectly fine, you should still get a skin cancer screening once a year, so visit a dermatologist, such as those at Vail Dermatology, periodically. If skin cancer is found in the early stages, you can treat it easier.

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