Sun-Kissed, Not Sun-Burned: Common Sunscreen Mistakes to Avoid
Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Published in Total Fitness Magazine June 2011 issue
The bikini season has officially arrived and unlike last year, we hope that you remember your resolution: this time you’re going to sun-kissed skin, not sunburned skin. And what better way to do that than load up on sunblock lotion with up to SPF 110. However, no matter how much time you spend putting on heavy duty sunblock lotion, there are a handful of common sunscreen mishaps that you need to remember. Here are a few:
Favorite Mistake: Using it ONLY during the summer.
When I was growing up, I’ve always associated sun block lotion with summer because it’s that sticky thing you need to apply before you jump into the pool. I think that’s one of the biggest mistakes most grownups still make when it comes to sun protection: using it only during the summer. Even when the sky is overcast, UV rays still penetrate through the clouds and even the smallest amount of sun exposure can add up and lead to dark complexion, sun spots, and premature skin aging. There’s a wide variety of non-greasy moisturizing lotions with ample SPF. Choose one that you like best and don’t leave home without it.
Mistake #2: Not getting full sunscreen coverage.
Okay, it’s sun block time. Face, neck, back, shoulders, arm, hips, legs…check! After a whole day’s worth of outdoor activities, you shriek at the sight of your clay-colored feet. It’s okay to spoil those exposed areas with sunscreen but don’t forget these areas too: chest, the top of your feet, the back of your neck, and the areas around your lips. Experts advise to put on your first coat of sunscreen before you leave the house and reapply every two hours. This way, even if you change clothes throughout the day, you still get full coverage.
Mistake #3: Once is enough.
Most people apply sunscreen only once, just a few minutes before any outdoor activity. When it comes to sunscreen application, here’s the general formula: Reapply every two hours. Even when your brand advertises long-lasting protection, replenish your coverage against the skin-damaging UV rays by keeping a sun block lotion handy.
Mistake #4: Not checking the labels.
It pays to check the label. If you’re prepping up for some water activities or you sweat profusely, it’s best to use a water-resistant sunscreen. Those that are not waterproof will come off after taking a dip in the pool. Moreover, if you use one with SPF 15 and then add another layer with SPF 30, it won’t give you SPF 45, honey. Just go for the highest SPF you can get and reapply every two hours for maximum sun protection.
Mistake #5: It might ruin my makeup.
These days, you can buy makeup with SPF. However, according to skin experts, you would need to apply the makeup at least seven times for the total amount of SPF to work and you don’t want a caked-on look on a daily basis, right? Here’s a beauty trick: Apply ample amount of milk-based sunscreen before putting on foundation and wear a protective headgear to help keep the UV rays at bay.
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Published in Total Fitness Magazine June 2011 issue
Favorite Mistake: Using it ONLY during the summer.
When I was growing up, I’ve always associated sun block lotion with summer because it’s that sticky thing you need to apply before you jump into the pool. I think that’s one of the biggest mistakes most grownups still make when it comes to sun protection: using it only during the summer. Even when the sky is overcast, UV rays still penetrate through the clouds and even the smallest amount of sun exposure can add up and lead to dark complexion, sun spots, and premature skin aging. There’s a wide variety of non-greasy moisturizing lotions with ample SPF. Choose one that you like best and don’t leave home without it.
Mistake #2: Not getting full sunscreen coverage.
Okay, it’s sun block time. Face, neck, back, shoulders, arm, hips, legs…check! After a whole day’s worth of outdoor activities, you shriek at the sight of your clay-colored feet. It’s okay to spoil those exposed areas with sunscreen but don’t forget these areas too: chest, the top of your feet, the back of your neck, and the areas around your lips. Experts advise to put on your first coat of sunscreen before you leave the house and reapply every two hours. This way, even if you change clothes throughout the day, you still get full coverage.
Mistake #3: Once is enough.
Most people apply sunscreen only once, just a few minutes before any outdoor activity. When it comes to sunscreen application, here’s the general formula: Reapply every two hours. Even when your brand advertises long-lasting protection, replenish your coverage against the skin-damaging UV rays by keeping a sun block lotion handy.
Mistake #4: Not checking the labels.
It pays to check the label. If you’re prepping up for some water activities or you sweat profusely, it’s best to use a water-resistant sunscreen. Those that are not waterproof will come off after taking a dip in the pool. Moreover, if you use one with SPF 15 and then add another layer with SPF 30, it won’t give you SPF 45, honey. Just go for the highest SPF you can get and reapply every two hours for maximum sun protection.
Mistake #5: It might ruin my makeup.
These days, you can buy makeup with SPF. However, according to skin experts, you would need to apply the makeup at least seven times for the total amount of SPF to work and you don’t want a caked-on look on a daily basis, right? Here’s a beauty trick: Apply ample amount of milk-based sunscreen before putting on foundation and wear a protective headgear to help keep the UV rays at bay.
