
While enjoying a day out during the summer, it is easy to get distracted
by all the fun and forget about the importance of wearing the appropriate
amount of sunscreen. For many people and in many situations, sunscreen
is the first and only line of defense against the harmful ultraviolent
rays of the sun, which can cause both skin cancer growths and early signs
of aging like deep creases and wrinkles. To ensure you are getting the
right amount of protection from your sunscreen, you have to apply it correctly.
Otherwise, you could still be putting yourself at risk of burns, wrinkling,
and skin cancer.
Here are five easy sunscreen application tips that everyone should know
this summer:
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All-in-one: When you head into a pharmacy or retail store in search of sunscreen, you
are bound to find a huge selection of brands and types. What are you supposed
to pick out? Your preferences are your preferences, but for the most part,
it is advised that you grab a sunscreen that advertises SPF (sun protection
factor) 30 or more, waterproof formula, and broad-spectrum coverage (UVA
and UVB ray coverage). The higher the SPF, the better it is at stopping
UV rays from passing into your skin. Waterproofing agent helps it cling
to your body longer after getting wet in the ocean or pool.
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Early application: Keep in mind that sunscreen will take roughly 15 minutes to absorb into
your skin. To get the full effect of the lotion, spray, or tincture, apply
it 20 minutes before stepping outside.
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Generosity: Be liberal and thorough when you are applying sunscreen, especially if
you are planning on staying outside for a long period of time. There really
is no way to put on
too much sunscreen, so don’t be afraid to use more than you have in the
past to be safe this time around. Typically, people apply far less than
they need.
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Coverall: From the tips of your toes to the top of your head, sunscreen application
is important. So long as a part of your skin is exposed to the sun, you
should be protecting it with sunscreen. Since a summer or beach day is
usually the most fun with other people, see if you can ask a friend or
even a kind passerby to apply sunscreen to your back. You can protect
the sensitive exposed skin of your lips with lip balm that has a good
SPF rating; most lip balms will not have an SPF over 15, though.
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Reapply when necessary: Sunscreen is not a one-and-done type of lotion. You need to reapply it
whenever you get out of the water or after you complete a physical activity
that caused you to sweat noticeably. You should also reapply a coat of
sunscreen every two hours you are outside. Do not be tricked by a cloudy
day, either. The UV rays of the sun pierce straight through cloud cover
and hit your skin as if nothing was in the way. Nothing but your sunscreen,
of course.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.