Most of us know full well that we need to apply sunscreen in order to protect our skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Nevertheless, it is not so easy to estimate how to apply sunscreen for maximum protection. In this article, we want to demystify some of the most common sunscreen myths. Also, keep reading to learn a couple of practical tips on how and when to apply sunscreen.
3 Common Sunscreen Myths
Myth #1: If you apply sunscreen, you will be 100% protected
On the one hand, it is certainly true that sunscreens can protect you from UVB and UVA rays. However, it is crucial to take other preventive measures, as well. For instance, experts always recommend that we wear protective clothing, sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats.
Myth #2: If the weather is cloudy and rainy, you do not need any sunscreen
It is easy to assume that we only need to apply sunscreen when the weather is sunny. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth. UV rays can penetrate your skin even on a cloudy day. Therefore, make sure you apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the whole year.
Myth #3: Applying sunscreen before or after makeup in the morning is enough for maximum protection throughout the whole day
As human beings, we all want to make our lives easier and simpler. This is the reason why we easily buy into the idea of “once and for all”. Still, when it comes to sun protection, we need to know that re-application of sunscreen is a must every few hours.
How to Apply Sunscreen for Maximum Protection
If you want to properly protect your skin from the sun, you’d better follow ‘the rule of nines’ suggested by Drs. Steve Taylor and Brian Diffey. According to this rule, it is recommendable to cover with sunscreen 11 different sections that make up about 9% of your body.
Most people know how to reapply sunscreen on their head, neck, and face. Yet, you also need to take care of your arms, upper and lower back, front torso, legs, thighs and feet.
What about Make-Up and Sun Protection?
There are plenty of SPF-infused make-up products. However, these cannot replace actual sunscreen. In this regard, we encourage you to apply sunscreen straight to your bare skin. Once you have applied it evenly to your entire face, pat it until it is fully absorbed. Then you can move on with makeup.
Even though it is better to apply sunscreen before makeup, you also need to learn how to reapply sunscreen over makeup. After all, it is not very practical to take your makeup off every 2 hours, right?
If you aim at maximum sun protection, use a physical sunblock over makeup. While chemical sunscreens absorb the sun rays, physical sunblock products create a physical barrier between the skin and the sun.
This was our selection of tips on how to apply sunscreen for maximum protection. We hope that they will help you enjoy a lovely summer with your loved ones.
