A good sunscreen can only get you so far. To really go the distance you’ve got to know what to look out for and how and when to apply it, otherwise, you could be putting yourself inadvertently at risk of sun damage. This can be anything from premature wrinkles to skin cancer so it’s important you know your stuff.
For a quick schooling in sunscreen, keep reading to discover how to get an A+ in sun protection. You’ll be back to having fun in the sun before you know it…
Not waiting 20 minutes after applying sunscreen to go outside
Suncream needs approximately 20 minutes to properly soak into the skin before it’s fully effective. Leaving the house before then is like not having anything on at all for 20 minutes which might not seem like much, but it adds up over time. That’s 100 minutes a week of sun exposure without protection if you do it daily!
Using expired sunscreen
We’re all guilty of using expired makeup (even though we shouldn’t), if it ain’t broke, right? But using expired sunscreen is a definite no, no. Out-of-date creams put you in danger of sun damage as it can no longer provide effective protection. Sunscreen typically lasts between 6 to 12 months after opening, so if you’re still slathering yourself in sun cream from last summer, or worse and you can’t even remember when you bought it, chuck it out, yesterday.
Not using a broad-spectrum sunscreen
Another common mistake people make is choosing a cream that only protects against one type of UV ray. A broad-spectrum protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can reach deep beneath the skin’s surface. They’re the most dangerous as you can’t physically see the damage. UVB rays are the ones that cause the skin to burn, so it’s pretty obvious if you’ve gone from sun-kissed to a ravishing red.
SunKiss Age Defying Daily Face Protect SPF 50+ – AED 90.00
This broad-spectrum sunscreen by SunKiss is one you’ll want on your radar. Combined with anti-ageing ingredients, such as vitamin E and jojoba oil, it strengthens the skin’s barrier, prevents dehydration, and helps to maintain collagen. And when you get down to the very last drop (which you will), make sure to keep the aluminium bottle and order a refill pouch.
Thinking sunscreen is for outdoors only
Those UVA rays we just mentioned? More than 50 per cent of them can still penetrate through glass. This means that whilst you’re driving, shopping, and WFH you’re still vulnerable to sun damage, so whether you’re indoors or outdoors, always apply protection.
Only applying once
The moment your suncream comes into contact with UV rays it begins to break down. It’s recommended to reapply every 2 hours for the best protection, which can be kinda hard to do with a full face of makeup on. But fret not…
Coola Makeup Setting Spray Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 44ml – AED 200
Get your makeup to last on even the hottest of days and top up with Coola’s SPF mist. Made with 70 per cent certified organic ingredients, the formula features hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing aloe vera, and cooling cucumber with an ultra-refreshing, natural green tea scent. And for the greasy gals, it dries matte and reduces shine. You’ll be counting down the minutes until you get to spritz, spritz, spritz some more.
Forgetting to reapply after being in water
Your sunscreen may be water-resistant, but no sunscreen is waterproof. Water-resistant cream is non-negotiable if you’re ocean-obsessed as it helps to prevent it from washing off, especially as water reflects UV rays, but you’ll still lose a load of when splashing around.
We Are Feel Good Inc. Gentle Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF50+ 200ml – AED 123.15
Water-resistant for up to four hours, We Are Feel Good Inc. sunscreen can be used on the face and body and is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive. Formulated without nasties like alcohol, silicones, and parabens, it’s safe for anyone aged 6 months+ and our precious marine life. A combo of carefully chosen organic sunscreen filters protects against UVA and UVB rays, making it one of our favourites to apply pre- and post-dip.
Higher SPFs don’t stop you from tanning
Many people avoid sunscreens above SPF 30 because they think it’ll stop them from catching a tan, when it actually just tells you how long it might take you to burn after applying it.
SPF is short for Sun Protection Factor, so the higher the SPF, the longer you should be able to stay in the sun without burning. For example, with SPF 30, it would take you approximately 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen.
