Beauty: Don’t Make These 5 Sunscreen Mistakes and Destroy Your Skin

Sunscreen is imperative in order to protect your skin during those warm summer months. But make sure you’re not making any of these 5 mistakes that could be harming your skin. Read on for some important sunscreen tips.

Don’t apply just once

You should always apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to your skin. But it’s easy to think that once is enough. However, you need to reapply at least every two hours. If you’re swimming, make sure you choose a waterproof option, so the sunblock does not wash off in the water. Otherwise, you risk exposing your skin to harmful ultraviolet rays that can increase your skin cancer risk.

 

Don’t disregard the expiration date

Sunscreen is designed to last about three years. This way, you don’t need to spend money and stock

up at the beginning of every summer. But today, most sunscreens do come with expiration dates, and they shouldn’t be disregarded. The expiration date signals when the sunscreen is no longer at its strongest. When it expires, it’s important to discard it and purchase a new bottle to make sure you’re giving your skin the best protection possible.

 

Don’t assume you can cover everything with a spray

Spray bottles might be more convenient, but they are not more protective. When you’re on the beach with the wind blowing in all directions, it is difficult to accurately spray your entire body. Plus, since the sprays often go on clear, you can’t see the areas you’ve missed. While they might save time, they won’t save your skin. Always apply bottled lotion to make sure you’re getting every exposed area.

 

Don’t purchase a sunscreen that contains Vitamin A

It’s important to check the ingredients in your sunscreen. Specifically, it’s important to check that it does not contain retinyl palmitate, a form of Vitamin A. Studies have shown that this type of Vitamin A can speed the development of skin tumors when it is applied in the presence of sunlight. According to the Environmental Working Group, about 12 percent of beach and sport sunscreens contain this Vitamin A. Always check the label before buying to make sure your sunblock is Vitamin A free.

 

Don’t stop applying sunscreen just because you don’t burn

As your skin gets darker throughout the summer, you might notice that you don’t burn easily. But that is not a reason to stop applying sunscreen. Even if your skin doesn’t show it, you are still allowing the skin to absorb harmful ultraviolet rays that can put you at risk for cancer. Always wear at least SPF 15 to give your body the sun protection it needs. If you’re going to be outside all day, you may want to use SPF 30. Anything above SPF 50 won’t make much of a difference.

Credit  :Cheatsheet