Sunscreen is one of the most essential steps in any skincare routine, yet it’s often misunderstood or overlooked. Using sunscreen correctly can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, prevent premature aging, and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Here’s a guide to the do’s and don’ts of using sunscreen to ensure you’re getting the most out of your sun protection.

Do: Apply Enough Sunscreen

One of the most common mistakes people make is not applying enough sunscreen. To ensure adequate protection, use about a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and a shot glass amount for your entire body. Make sure to cover all exposed areas, including often-missed spots like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet.

Don’t: Forget to Reapply

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout the day to maintain its effectiveness. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Even water-resistant sunscreens lose their effectiveness over time, so be diligent about reapplication.

Do: Choose Broad-Spectrum Protection

When selecting a sunscreen, make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, while UVB rays can burn your skin. Both types of rays can contribute to skin cancer, so broad-spectrum protection is essential.

Tip: Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal protection.

Don’t: Rely Solely on Sunscreen

While sunscreen is a critical part of sun protection, it shouldn’t be your only defense against UV rays. Complement your sunscreen use with protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). These additional measures provide extra layers of protection for your skin.

Do: Apply Sunscreen Before Going Outdoors

For maximum effectiveness, apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. This gives the sunscreen time to bind to your skin and start working. Applying it right before stepping out may leave your skin vulnerable to UV rays during the first few minutes of exposure.

Don’t: Use Expired Sunscreen

Sunscreen can lose its effectiveness over time, especially if it’s expired. Check the expiration date on your sunscreen bottle and replace it if it’s past its prime. Using expired sunscreen may leave you unprotected, increasing your risk of sunburn and skin damage.

Tip: Store your sunscreen in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness. Avoid leaving it in hot places like your car, as heat can degrade the active ingredients.

Do: Use Sunscreen Every Day

UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy or you’re staying indoors. Daily sunscreen use protects your skin from cumulative sun damage that can lead to premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Don’t: Forget Your Lips

Your lips are just as vulnerable to sun damage as the rest of your skin. Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from UV rays. Reapply it throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking, to keep your lips safe and hydrated.

By following these do’s and don’ts of using sunscreen, you can effectively protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion. Remember, proper sun protection is one of the most important steps you can take to care for your skin.