Sunscreen Dos And Don’ts: Common Mistakes And Best Practices

Many of us know that sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays as well as its importance in preventing skin cancer, but how many of us are truly sunscreen savvy? The simple truth is that mastering the art of sun protection involves more than just slathering on some lotion – it involves understanding the best practices and common mistakes in order to ensure the ultimate defence against sun damage and enjoy the outdoors with confidence. In this article, we help you become an expert in safeguarding your skin with some valuable tips on sunscreen dos and don’ts.

Sunscreen dos

Before lathering up some sunscreen, here are some dos to keep in mind;

1. Reapply sunscreen regularly

A common misconception about sunscreen is that it is a one-and-done application. However, sunscreen should be applied every two hours¹ (or more frequently if you are sweating or swimming) to maintain its effectiveness. This is because sunscreen can be easily rubbed off by clothes, sand, and towels. Even water-resistant sunscreens can lose their potency after prolonged water exposure!

The only time you may not need a second application is if you are indoors and are sitting away from the windows. But even so, it does not mean that you skip sunscreen altogether.

2. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen

Selecting a suitable sunscreen takes more than simply choosing a brand that looks promising. As much as possible, it would be best to opt for a broad-spectrum product that protects against UVA and UVB rays. In addition to causing skin cancer with overexposure, this is what each of the rays do²:

UVA rays: Also known as ageing rays, UVA rays are responsible for causing age spots and wrinkles, as well as prematurely ageing your skin. Additionally, these rays have the ability to penetrate through window glass, making it crucial to safeguard your skin even when indoors.
UVB rays: UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn. While they are blocked by window glass, it is vital to apply protection when stepping outdoors to prevent these burning rays from harming your skin.

For optimal protection against both types of rays, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended as it reduces the risk of sunburn as well as long-term skin damage.

3. Apply sunscreen, regardless of your skin tone!

Regardless of what one may think, sunscreen is a must-have for all individuals no matter their skin tone. While those with darker skin may have more natural protection against UV rays, this does not mean that they are not susceptible to skin cancer and sun damage³. So, to safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, it is important that everyone of all skin tones apply sunscreen regularly.

Sunscreen don’ts

Avoid doing these things to ensure you apply sunscreen correctly;

1. Rely only on sun protection factor (SPF) alone

A high SPF sunscreen may sound appealing, but don’t be fooled: A higher number does not necessarily guarantee extended protection⁴. SPF values beyond 50+ sound too good to be true, and that is for a reason – such products have only marginal improvements in sun protection. What’s worse is that they may make us feel overconfident, resulting in a lesser need to reapply.

Instead, try focusing on applying an adequate amount of sunscreen and reapplying regularly. This helps to ensure effective coverage throughout the day.

2. Depend on just sunscreen

Sunscreen is crucial, yes, but it should ideally not be your only line of defence. While it has not been definitely proven that sunscreen protects against most types of skin cancer⁵, it is still essential to take additional precautions. Embracing a comprehensive approach by incorporating other sun protection strategies will do more good than harm in the long run.

For instance, when outdoors, make sure to shield your skin with clothing such as hats, shorts, pants, and shirts whenever possible. If you find yourself at the beach, seeking shade under an umbrella while not in the water can offer added protection – especially during peak sun hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest, i.e. 10am to 4pm. Additionally, protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses that are designed to block them. Continuing these precautionary measures will help you better protect your skin and enjoy outdoor activities with peace of mind.

3. Forget to apply an adequate amount of sunscreen

A very common mistake made by many when applying sunscreen is not applying enough. Studies have shown that most people only apply about half of the recommended amount of sunscreen⁶, leading to insufficient protection. For full coverage, use about an ounce (or a shot glass equivalent) of sunscreen to cover your entire body and apply it 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.

Conclusion

Consider this another ‘don’t’ factor: Amid all the sun protection measures, it is imperative that you do not overlook the significance of regular skin cancer screening! Even with diligent sun protection, it is important to stay proactive in monitoring your skin for any changes or suspicious spots. Scheduling routine skin cancer screenings with a trusted dermatology clinic can help detect any potential skin abnormalities early on⁷, ensuring timely intervention and promoting better overall skin health. To book a skin cancer screening in Singapore, schedule an appointment with us at Angeline Yong Dermatology today!

References

Chien, A. L.-L. (2022, July 20). Sunscreen and your morning routine. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine#:~:text=Do%20I%20really%20need%20to,often%20you%20step%20outside%2C%20though

Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology. (2023, July 19). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/sunscreen-faqs

Wang, S. Q., Balagula, Y., & Osterwalder, U. (2010). Photoprotection: a review of the current and future technologies. Dermatologic therapy, 23(1), 31–47. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2009.01289.x

Faurschou, A., & Wulf, H. C. (2007). The relation between sun protection factor and amount of suncreen applied in vivo. The British journal of dermatology, 156(4), 716–719. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07684.x

Holman, D. M., Ding, H., Berkowitz, Z., Hartman, A. M., & Perna, F. M. (2019). Sunburn prevalence among US adults, National Health Interview Survey 2005, 2010, and 2015. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 80(3), 817–820. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.10.044

Warino, L., Balkrishnan, R., Feldman, S. R., & Fleischer Jr, A. B. (2009). Dermatologists’ sun protection behaviors: self-report, observation, and photo documentation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 60(3), 406-412.

Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/cancer-prevention-early-detection.html

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Sunscreen Dos And Don’ts: Common Mistakes And Best Practices