How to Apply Sunscreen

Choosing the right sunscreen is very important as some products are simply better than others. The other major consideration is the application. Thought this may seem like a non-issue, this is precisely the area where most people have difficulty.

Proper application

• Apply sunscreens at least 15 minutes prior to going out into the sun, as it takes some time before the ingredients are properly absorbed in to the skin
• Sunscreens should be applied after make-up, as some sunscreens deteriorate in the presence of water based ingredients in other cosmetic products
• Apply to all sun-exposed skin. Remember that it isn't just the face that is exposed to the sun.
• Remember to use a "shot-glass" as a guideline for quantity. Most people use far less than that.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours at minimum if you continue to be exposed to the sun. UV light slowly breaks down the protective ingredients in the sunscreen over time. You should take care to reapply sunscreen after being in the water, or excessively sweating, or drying yourself off with a towel.

Regularity of use

Many people associate sun damage with sun burns, which occur when we are exposed to excessive UV light in a short amount of time. While this is a concern, a large proportion of long term sun damage is caused not by a 3 day vacation to a tropical country or a 2 day camping trip, but by everyday exposure that occurs under normal conditions such as going to work. It is important to use sunscreens on a regular basis and not just for special occasions where you expect to be exposed to a lot of sun.

You won't notice the long-term difference for years. Yet, the difference is very real. A good way to visualize the difference is to compare the difference between the skin on the inside of the arms and the skin on the outside of your arms. The skin tone, texture, and overall quality should be clearly visible in most people. This is because of the overwhelming difference in sun exposure that the two parts of the body absorb. The outside of the arm is exposed to the sun, while the inside is almost always covered from the sun. The difference is the result of accumulated sun damage on the outer arms.

• Apply sunscreen on a daily basis. Remember that UV light can penetrate windows, and clouds. Any day where you are expected to be outdoors for a significant amount of time, you should be using sunscreens.
• Regularity of use is critical. Using sunscreens with a low SPF on a regular basis is shown to be much more effective than use of high SPF sunscreens intermittently.
• Sun damage is cumulative. A small amount of sun damage from casual exposure adds up over the years.
• The difference in overall skin quality between the inside and the outside of the arms is telling of the effects of long-term sun exposure.

Sufficient Application

Proper and sufficient application is also another important factor in sun protection. Most people do not apply sunscreens in sufficient quantities, which make the product less effective. In particular, the SPF rating which is a measurement of how much UVB protection a sunscreen provides is based on using roughly a shot glass full of sunscreen over the body. As most people use far less than that, it is thought that the average person will enjoy the protection that is advertised on the product. Here are some recommendations to ensure that you are getting proper protection from your sunscreen:

• Apply more than you feel is sufficient. Many studies have confirmed that consumers apply significantly less than the suggested "one shot glass" rule.
• Choose sunscreens with a smooth consistency. People tend to dislike the feel of overly thick sunscreens, and this is often a factor that discourages people from applying the sunscreen in sufficient quantity. Worse, it may discourage the consumer from using the sunscreen at all.
• Choose sunscreens that are affordable for you. There are many drugstore brand sunscreens that are high quality products. Remember that sunscreens are supposed to be a household item that sees regular use; it should not be a luxury item to be used for special occasions. If cost is in the back of your mind, it is almost a certainty that you will not be using the sunscreen regularly, or in sufficient quantities.