You can not cut down the risk of UV damage on your skin by coating yourself in sunscreen. According to dermatologists, sunscreens only help to protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays when you use them correctly. Moreover, incorrect sunscreen application does not keep your skin safe from wrinkles, tanning, skin cancer, and age spots. It has been observed that thousands of people unknowingly commit to many skin care mistakes that expose your skin to sun rays. There is no need to worry because identifying your skin care mistakes while wearing sunscreen is the easiest thing to keep your skin safe from the sun's rays.
Common sunscreen mistakes
- Mixing Your Sunscreen With Other Products
- Applying sunscreen outdoors
- Using a face mist throughout the day
- Not reapplying your sunscreen
- Wearing multiple products underneath your sunscreen
1. Mixing Your Sunscreen With Other Products
Board-certified dermatologists explain that you should avoid mixing sunscreen with moisturizer or foundation. The reason is, sun-protective properties of sunscreen get reduced when you dilute it with other cosmetic products. Not realizing this common sunscreen mistake can put you at a greater risk of photoaging, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and skin cancer.
The best option is to opt for a broad spectrum sunscreen that comes with moisturizing properties. It has been observed that tinted sunscreens containing physical filters like Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide give a fresh matte finish look throughout the day. Another benefit is tinted sunscreen formulas give you maximum sun protection without leaving any white layer on your face.
2. Applying sunscreen outdoors
One of the most common skincare mistakes is slathering on sunscreen when you are already exposed to UV rays. As per researches, unprotected exposure to sun rays for a short duration can bring serious skin damage. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outdoors.
To add to this, there is a misconception that you don't require sunscreen on cloudy or rainy days. Contrary to this common belief, 80 percent of the UV rays can pass through the clouds and penetrate your epidermis layer. In addition, dermatologists explain that apart from the face, most people don't wear sunscreen on other exposed body parts. To avoid these sunscreen mistakes, make sure to apply sunscreen on the ears, neck, arms, back on hands before exposing to UV rays.
3. Using a face mist after sunscreen
Dr. Jeremy Fenton based in New York City explains that using face mist after sunscreen wash off the SPF from your face. This is another mistake that may cause unimaginable damage to your skin. Dermatologists explain that avoiding this common sunscreen mistake can protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays. Additionally, over-spritzing your face without following a moisturizer can make your skin extra dry.
4. Not reapplying your sunscreen
Skin care experts say that applying sunscreen once a day is not a good skin care habit. However, reapplying sunscreen with SPF 50 after every two hours is very important to avoid UV radiation. As per research studies, active ingredients in sunscreen begin to inactivate in sun exposure after some time.
Luckily, some broad-spectrum sunscreens available in the market come with water-resistant or sweat-resistant properties. These sunscreens adhere to the skin surface very well and offer better protection from UVB and UVA rays for longer durations as compared to other sunscreens.
5. Wearing multiple products underneath your sunscreen
Sunscreen application is considered the last but very crucial step of any skin care regimen. Layering over multiple products before sunscreen application is identified as a serious sunscreen mistake that can wreak havoc on your skin. The application of multiple products creates a gap between your skin and sunscreen which further reduces the skin protection from UV damage.
Sunscreen is the most important preventive measure to keep your skin safe from photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and age spots. Not only being diligent with your sunscreen is important but also using it in the right way is one thing you really need.
P.S.
Apart from sunscreen ingredients, you should always check the expiry date on the product levels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that it is mandatory to mention the expiration date on sun care products. It has been found that sunscreen has a shelf life of 3 years. Using an expiry sunscreen product does not offer the same sun protection factor to your skin as stated on the bottle. Chemical sunscreens contain some ingredients like oxybenzone that begin to oxidized over time and become less effective. On the other hand, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are comparatively more stable.
