How To Efficiently Apply Sunscreen

First, sunscreens are less reliable in practice than other UV-protection measures, such as avoidance of exposure at peak sun hours, protective clothing and so forth. Therefore, sunscreens should be an element of a comprehensive approach, not a sun damage panacea. Second, it is important to choose a good, broadly protective sunscreen that fits your skin and lifestyle.

You know you need to use sunscreen, but do you ever wonder if you're using it right? How do you know how much sunscreen to use? Do you have to keep putting it on throughout the day? What if you sweat?

How you apply your sunscreen has a major impact on the quality of the sun protection you get. But before discussing the proper application, let us put the usage of sunscreens in some perspective.

Apply liberally 15 - 30 min before expected sun exposure. Sunscreen should be applied in sufficient amounts. Most people need at least 1 ounce (about 30 ml) of sunscreen to cover their body. Do not forget to generously cover the face and neck, even if you wear a hat. If you wish a differently textured formula for the face, find a good sunscreen specially formulated for facial skin. If your sunscreen includes any chemical sun blocking agents (and most do), give it 15 - 30 min to get absorbed into the skin before going out in the sun. Purely physical sunscreen (e.g. zinc oxide) can be applied just before exposure. Also, use lip balm or lipstick with sunscreen on your lips.

If you want to to efficiently apply sunscreen, here is how:
* Choose a sunscreen. It should have an SPF of at least 15 and block UVA rays, which cause wrinkles and brown spots, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Choose a sunscreen that’s formulated for your skin type—like fragrance-free or PABA-free for sensitive skin—and suited to the activity you’re planning, like waterproof or sweatproof formulas for swimming or exercising.
* Check the product’s expiration date to make sure it will still be effective. If the date has passed, or if you know you bought the sunscreen over three years ago, you’re due for new bottle.
* Shake the bottle well before you squirt any sunscreen out. This mixes up all the particles and distributes them evenly in the container.
* Make sure that easy to forget areas are covered too. Don't forget to cover often-neglected parts like fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Use lip balm or lipstick with sunscreen on your lips. Use UVA+UVB protective sunglasses but cover the areas around the eye with sunscreen nonetheless. If you have thinning hair, try sun-blocking products designed for scalp protection.
* Most adults should use about 35 ml or 1 oz. of sunscreen to cover their whole body. It's about the same as an adult handful. Remember, most people don't apply enough sunscreen.
* It's OK to apply more sunscreen than you should. It's better to use more than not use enough.
* There is an ongoing controversy as to what reapplication frequency is optimal. Experts usually recommend reapplication every two hours. However, some studies indicate that reapplication every 15-30 minutes after the sun exposure begins is required for optimal protection. Further reapplication is recommended immediately after sweating, swimming, rubbing, etc.
* Reapply regularly, more often after water exposure. Most experts recommend reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours, more often if swimming or sweating. It's important to check the label to ensure they say "water-resistant" or "very water-resistant." According to FDA guidelines, Water-Resistant sunscreen maintains the SPF level after 40 minutes of water immersion. Very Water-Resistant sunscreen maintains the SPF level after 80 minutes of water immersion.
* Even if you're using sunscreen, you're more likely to get a sunburn when the sun's rays are the most intense. That's between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Insect repellents can reduce a sunscreen's SPF by up to one-third. If you are using a sunscreen and insect repellent together, use a higher SPF and reapply more often.
* Read the label carefully and follow instructions. Sunscreens may vary in many ways, including optimal ways to apply them. Make sure you read the label carefully and follow manufacturer's instructions.
* Use sunscreen daily in all types of weather. The skin is still susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun during cloudy days as well. It needs to be applied during winter months, too.