The Big Three Mistakes People Make With Sunscreen

Just as rib-skinny models can promote unhealthy eating habits, dark-tanned celebrities can promote unhealthy sunbathing habits. It is important to be active and get outdoors, but there is a constant daytime danger from the sun's rays. One out of every five people in America is affected by skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and can be very serious, even deadly. The proper use of sunscreen is a very large part of the plan to protect your skin from disease and other effects caused by the sun such as age spots and sunburn.

The sunscreen you use should be:

• Broad-spectrum
• Water-resistant
• SPF of 50 or higher

Although they say sunscreen can remain potent for over a year if you are unsure how old your bottle is, do not use it. Replace it for your safety!

Here are the top three ways people misuse their sunscreen:

1. They Fail to Use Their Sunscreen!

The number one people do not think to apply their sunscreen is because the weather is not sunny. They forget that the harmful rays of the sun, the UV rays, have very little trouble penetrating the clouds. About 80% of the UV rays get through. You may not be hot or sweating, but your skin may still be cooking!

2. They Do Not Use Enough

You should use an ounce of sunscreen, which is more than a handful, and apply it to every uncovered part of your body before going out in the sun.  American Academy of Dermatology defines an ounce as enough to fill a shot glass. They have found that most people apply only a quarter to a half an ounce, half or less than they need to protect themselves.

3. They Do Not Reapply

You must remember to repeat this process within two hours every two hours that you are out in the sun, or even more if you have been in the water or even sweating excessively. Would you throw off your armor in the middle of a battle? No, nor should you forget to reapply your sunscreen over and over. If you go to a cookout that begins at noon in a time zone where the sun sets at 8 pm, you will apply sunscreen four times, assuming you don't jump in the pool that is; then it will be five times for a total of five shots.

Avoid These Mistakes People Make With Sunscreen

Sunscreen is not the only part of your plan to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. You should also wear UV protection sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, find breathable long sleeve shirts and trousers so that you will not be as tempted to remove them when hot, and of course, seek shade. You should really get clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF) factor for total protection.