Common Sunburn Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Common SunburnMistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
We’ve all been there. After a long day at the pool or outside in the summer heat, you peel off your clothes to hop in the shower only to be met with an “ouch!” from an unexpected sunburn. While most people know the importance of sunscreen, many are still making common mistakes that are leaving their skin vulnerable to damage, and worse, increasing their risk of skin cancer.
The good news? A few simple changes can make a big difference in protecting your skin all year long!
Common Mistake #1: Using Too Little Sunscreen & Forgetting to Reapply
Believe it or not, most people only apply about 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. At a minimum, most adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen – roughly the same amount to fill a shot glass – to full cover skin not covered by clothing. And depending on your body size you may need more. Remember, sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.
Reapplying is just as important! Sunscreen wears off from sweating, swimming, and normal daily activity. It is recommended to apply sunscreen every 2 hours, and sometimes sooner if you are swimming.
How to Avoid It:
- Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 sunscreen
- Reapply every 2 hours
- Reapply after swimming or sweating
- Don’t forget sensitive areas like ears, lips, scalp, neck and feet
Common Mistake #2: Applying Sunscreen Only in Sunny Weather
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), found that only 20% of Americans use sunscreen on cloudy days. However, even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the UV rays can still penetrate your skin. To protect yourself and your skin, apply sunscreen every time you are outside, even on cloudy days.
How to Avoid It:
- Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine, regardless of the weather – your skin will thank you!
Relaying Solely on Sunscreen
No sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. That’s why it is important to seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing when you know you will be outside for long periods of time. Items like lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, pants, a hat, and sunglass with UV protection are great items to have on hand. For even better protection, look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label.
How to Avoid It:
Pair sunscreen with other sun-safe habits such as:
- Wearing hats and sunglasses
- Using UPF or lightweight long-sleeve clothing
- Seeking shade during the hours of 10am-4pm
- Using umbrellas or canopies outdoors, as needed
What to Do If you Get Sunburned
If you do get burned:
- Cool the skin with a cool shower or compress
- Apply fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera
- Dink extra fluids to stay hydrated
- Avoid further sun exposure
- Avoid peeling or picking at the skin
Sunscreen plays an important role in everyone’s skin care, and it goes beyond applying it once at the beach or the pool. Using enough sunscreen, reapplying as directed, and combining it with other protective habits can help reduce the chances of sunburn and skin cancer.