SPF applied wrong: 5 common mistakes raising skin cancer risk
Main mistakes in using SPF cream revealed (photo: magnific)
Insufficient application
People often underestimate how much sunscreen they actually need to properly protect their skin.
Most people do not apply enough sunscreen to achieve the labeled sun protection factor (SPF). When you apply too little sunscreen, you only get a fraction of the protection.
SPF is measured by applying 2 ml of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. For the face alone, this is about 1/4 teaspoon.
It is recommended to choose a product with at least SPF 30 and prefer lotion over spray. People tend to apply less product when using sprays compared to creams or lotions.
Irregular reapplication
Applying sunscreen once a day is not enough.
Dermatologist Michael Christopher notes that if you sweat or swim, it should be reapplied more often: every 40–80 minutes.
It is best to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to allow it to work properly.
Missing key body areas
People often neglect several areas that are highly exposed to the sun, including:
- ears
- eyelids and skin around the eyes
- lips
- hair parting
- neck
- tops of feet
The skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable, so it is important to use a lip balm with SPF for protection.
Relying only on sunscreen
Sunscreen alone is usually not enough to fully protect the skin from sun damage.
In addition to sunscreen, it is important to wear protective clothing, wide-brim hats, and UV-protective sunglasses.
It is also helpful to stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Complete refusal of sunscreen
The most common reasons for not using sunscreen are inconvenience and the belief that it is unnecessary. However, this is a mistake.
It is worth using mineral sunscreens such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These products create a physical barrier on the skin that blocks ultraviolet rays without being absorbed.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
