HOW TO MAKE YOUR SUNSCREEN WORK FOR YOU!
Once you’ve found your perfect sunscreen, let’s talk about how to use it properly. The sunscreen ingredients are only effective if they are physically present on the skin. Here are ways to maximize its effectiveness.
APPLY SUNSCREEN PROPERLY
* APPLY BEFORE SUN EXPOSURE: Therefore, you should apply it about 30 minutes before going out (to ensure it has sufficient time to absorb onto the skin).
** APPLY A THICK LAYER: Sunscreen should be applied at 2mg/cm2 to be effective. This amounts to about 2 tablespoons for an average sized adult. A thick layer ensures proper density of those sunscreen ingredients to maximize the effectiveness of the sunscreen.
*** REAPPLY: You want to reapply sunscreen sooner if you have excessive sweating, water exposure, or if you towel off your skin. If you have trouble remembering to repply, check out the wristbands and stickers from Sunburn Alert. They change color when its time to reapply. Its also a fun way for kids to get involved in sun protection!
In addition, you should wear sunscreen on your face and neck EVERY DAY even on cloudy days and in the winter! UV light penetrates clouds and doesn’t always feel warm. Importantly, it doesn’t matter what race or ethnicity you are– UV light damages all skin types.
Bottom line: EVERY ONE SHOULD WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY!
…BUT I STILL WON’T WEAR SUNSCREEN!
If sunscreen application and reapplication is just not your thing, then consider sun protective clothing. Most gear comes equipped with a respectable SPF50 and it doesn’t require reapplication. My favorite brands for fashionable sun protective clothing include: SPF Addict, Mott 50, Cabana Life, and Coolibar.
Portable beach tents are also a great way to provide additional sun protection. I love the sleek design of the Neso Tents, which are sun protective, super portable and easy to set up.
Now you have all the information to enjoy the outdoors safely. Have a great spring and summer and stay sun safe!
