If you enjoy the sunscreen from the previous year, only pass the filter on sunny days and do not reapply the sunscreen every two hours, beware! Your skin may be in danger!
Numerous awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of excess sun on the skin are broadcast annually in the media. However, the fact is that many people still make mistakes when applying the protector and make mistakes when they think they are protected from the sun's rays. The result may take years to appear, but believe me, it does.
Properly filtering is a key factor in photoprotection. For this reason, with the help of dermatologist Hugo Weiss, we have listed the 10 most common mistakes when applying sunscreen. Check it out and see if you are not committing any of them.
1. Do not apply sunscreen daily
Sunscreen should be used daily, even on cloudy days, as ultraviolet (UV) rays affect the skin regardless of weather or season: This is a mistake that happens a lot. The day is cloudy, I'll just leave home very quickly. There are many reasons, but the truth is only one: should sunscreen be applied, yes, every day ?, says dermatologist Hugo Weiss. It is also a serious mistake to pass the sunscreen only on the beach or in the pool. Want to protect yourself? So use it daily.
2. Take advantage of last summer's protector
It is common to want to reuse the sunscreen from the previous season, but for that you need to be careful. The dermatologist advises that if the product is expired, in principle there is no problem. But remember that the active substances in the filter may deteriorate, so do not use sunscreen that has expired. Expired sunscreen does not offer adequate protection.
3. Believe that makeup with protector is enough
Nowadays there are numerous beauty products that contains sunscreen in its formula. The problem is due to the fact that the applied makeup layer does not cover every part that needs to be protected from the sun. In addition, the layer is usually thin, which does not guarantee full protection. "This is half true, especially because of the amount of base or powder that is applied to the skin, usually a very thin layer does not provide photoprotection," explains Hugo.
4. Pass a very thin layer of skin protector
Experts recommend that adults should use about 30g of sunscreen for proper protection. "In the case of sunscreen, to obtain effective photoprotection, a thick layer should be applied to the skin", advises the dermatologist.
Also remember the importance of protecting all parts that will be exposed to the sun. According to Hugo, many people forget to put on face, ears, neck and foot protectors.
5. Do not reapply sunscreen
It is commonly believed that a single application of sunscreen is sufficient to leave skin protected all day long. That's a big myth. "For protection to be maintained throughout the day, the sunscreen needs to be reapplied," says Hugo Weiss. It is recommended that the filter be reapplied every 2 hours or after exercising, entering the water.
Even in cases where the protector is water resistant, the protection fails after contact with moisture. In this case reapplication is also required.
6. Use sunscreen for other skin type
This practice exposes the skin to problems such as dryness, pimples and blackheads. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the sunscreen chosen. The use of dry skin creams and lotions, gel and oil-free oily skin lotions is recommended.
7. Pass the protector after leaving home
For effective protection, sunscreen should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure so that it can be absorbed through the skin.
8. Play sports without specific protector
Those who use ordinary sunscreen when playing sports lose all protection along with the sweat that drips from the skin. For efficient protection it is recommended to use protectors containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in the formula as these substances form a physical barrier.
Skin Cancer and Prevention
Skin cancer is caused by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells that make up the skin. Ultraviolet radiation is primarily responsible for the development of skin tumors, and most cases are associated with excessive sun exposure or the use of tanning chambers.
Dermatologist Hugo Weiss warns that "just applying the filter doesn't mean protection." For more effective protection it is recommended to wear a hat and sunglasses together with sunscreen. Also, avoiding the strongest sunny hours is critical.
Despite its high incidence, non-melanoma skin cancer has low lethality and can be easily cured if detected early. Therefore, regularly check your skin and see a dermatologist immediately if you notice suspicious spots or signs.
11 Common Mistakes About Sunscreen And How To Choose The Best One (May 2024)
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