Stop Making These 4 Common Sunscreen Mistakes

Sun protection is such an important step in preventing skin damage, but many of us are using sunscreen incorrectly. Here are 4 common mistake for sunscreen application:

• Mistake #1: Skimping on the Application The number one mistake people make is simply not applying enough sunscreen. When you don't use enough, you inevitably miss patches of skin, leaving those areas vulnerable and more likely to develop burns.

  
  

• Mistake #2: Applying It Too Late A frequent error is putting on sunscreen and immediately walking out into the sun. It actually takes about 20 minutes for the sunscreen to start working. Make sure you apply it before you head outside.

  
  

• Mistake #3: Forgetting to Reapply Sunscreen isn't a "one and done" deal. Ideally, you should be reapplying every two hours to keep it effective. If you are sweating heavily or swimming in the pool, you need to apply it even more frequently.

  
  

• Mistake #4: Skipping Sunscreen on Overcast Days Just because you can't see the sun doesn't mean it can't see you. UV rays still penetrate through the clouds on overcast days, making you prone to harmful exposure and skin damage. Applying sunscreen daily (and reapplying throughout the day) reduces your overall risk of developing skin lesions, no matter the weather.

  
  

The Truth About "Base Tans" Many people think getting a "base tan" before a vacation is a safe way to prevent burns. While melanin does offer a very low level of protection (equivalent to an SPF of just three or four) it comes with a catch. Because you aren't actively burning, you end up staying out in the sun much longer, exposing yourself to more UV radiation than you would have otherwise. This UV exposure causes DNA damage to your skin cells, which can mutate into rapidly growing, harmful cells. Skip the base tan and stick to sunblock.