11 'sunscreen mistakes' you must avoid!

Don't apply your sunscreen when you are already under the sun! Read on, to know what's going wrong with your sunscreen routine.

Is your regular sunscreen routine not showing results on your skin?Are you overlooking the sunscreen-routine completely? Here are some common mistakes we make with understanding the need for sun protection and how to get it just right.

1. SPF

The most common blunder not knowing how much SPF (sun protection factor) to use and when. For daily use, apply SPF 30. If you are out for a swim or indulging in any outdoor activity, you need SPF 50. Ensure you wear on water and sweat proof sunscreen. Having trouble choosing a sunscreen? Follow these tips.

2. Timing

Why expose yourself to UV (ultra violet) rays first and then apply sunscreen? You need to give at least 30 minutes for your sunscreen to absorb in and work for you. Hence, apply it at least half an hour before and not just before leaving the house.

3. Follow-up

No sunscreen follow-up can be ineffective in your sunscreen application. This means, once you have applied your dose of sun protection before stepping out, keep reapplying it every two hours, ensuring you are getting the expected SPF. Know some more do's and don'ts on sunscreen.

4. Quantity

The quantity matters for maximum coverage as well. Fill up a shot glass or take a golf-ball size amount and slather it on your body thoroughly.

5. Coverage

Do you miss out spots like under the eyes, on the tip of the nose, around the lips, near the hairline? Missing out small spots is another reason your sun protection cream isn't working.

6. Medications

If you find your sunscreen is not working for you, it could be due to strong medications. Sometimes, severe acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide could hinder in skin protection. In this case, don t delay in consulting your dermatologist.

7. Expiry date

Every product has an expiry date and you must follow it! Ingredients in your sun protection cream can lose their effectiveness at expiry, along with being exposed to warm temperatures.

8. Storage

Do not be carefree about the storage of your sunscreen; leaving the caps open promotes contamination, reducing their efficiency. Pay attention to the storage instructions mentioned on the bottle.

9. Contents

Many of us don t look for the words broad spectrum on the product package. Broad spectrum implies that, apart from offering protection against sun burns caused by UVB rays, it shields you from skin damage (UVA) as well.

10. Suntan

You can get a suntan in spite of using a sunscreen. Sunscreen keeps skin damage and burns at bay. For that extra care, use anti-tanning spray and bronzers.

11. Season

The winter season calls for sunscreen application too. Every bit of sun exposure can harm your skin and it's mandate to use suncreen with SPF 15 or more. Look gorgeous in winter, follow these skincare tips.

Image source: Getty Images

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