The 10 Most Common Sunscreen Slip-Ups
Despite everything we know about the risks of sun exposure, skin cancer is still on the rise — big time. In fact, in the last 35 years, rates of deadly melanoma have tripled. And those applying sunscreen are not immune. Improper application, the wrong product, and even a few of your other summertime activities can render sunscreen virtually useless. Avoid these common culprits and get the most out of your SPF for risk-free fun in the sun!
Sun Safety: 10 Sunscreen Mistakes
1. OTC Interference
If you’ve been slathering on the SPF but still come home from a day in the sun looking like a lobster, check your medicine cabinet. Common over the counter medications like ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, and Advil decrease the efficacy of sunscreen. Other culprits include Benadryl and other antihistamines, antibiotics such as Tetracycline and doxycycline and many acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide. If skipping a dose when headed outdoors isn’t an option, be sure to wear UPF attire (the clothing version of SPF) and a wide brimmed hat. And stick to the safety of the shade!
2. It’s Not Enough
Even if you’re diligent about applying sunscreen you’re probably not using enough. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, at least one ounce of sunscreen should be applied every two hours for adequate coverage. Unfortunately, studies show most people use just one quarter to one half the amount they should, greatly decreasing the effectiveness of their sunscreen. To give you a better idea of how much you should be using, imagine a golf ball-sized amount or fill a shot glass with sunscreen and start slathering!
3. Getting Too Hands On
You say you’re using plenty of sunscreen and still getting burned? Could be the way you’re putting it on. Studies show that sunscreen is most effective when applied in a thin film and decreases when it is rubbed in. Next time you’re headed outdoors, leave a little greasy goodness on your skin and let your sunscreen sink in.
4. You’re Late to the Party
If pulling out the sunscreen and lotioning up is the first thing you do at the beach, it may be time to rethink your order of operations. Sunscreen needs about half an hour to bind with skin so you’re absorbing rays for 30 minutes if you haven’t pre-applied. Always put on your first coat of sunscreen before you leave home so it will be in full effect by the time you get outside.
5. Playing the Numbers
There’s no way you can get burned using SPF 100, right? Wrong! There are several reasons your high SPF sunscreen may be to blame for sun damage. Not only does a high SPF give a false sense of UV invincibility (SPF 100 does not provide twice the protection of SPF 50), it actually has a less optimal chemical balance. SPF is based primarily on defense against UVB — not UVA — rays. Because UVB rays are the main cause of most burns, a higher SPF signifies more UVB protection, not UVA despite these ray’s harmful effects. As SPF goes up so does the disparity between UVB and UVA protection. To safeguard yourself from both UVB and UVA rays stick to frequent applications of a sunscreen with an SPF between 15 and 50.
