# 8 Sunscreen Mistakes You're Probably Making *Discover 8 common sunscreen mistakes that can compromise your skin's protection from harmful UV rays.* By [The Sense of Value](https://paragraph.com/@sensethevalue) ยท 2023-04-08 --- Introduction ------------ Sunscreen is an essential tool for protecting our skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, many people unknowingly make mistakes when applying and using sunscreen. In this blog post, we will highlight 8 common sunscreen mistakes that you might be making and discuss ways to correct them. 1\. Not Applying Enough Sunscreen --------------------------------- Applying too little sunscreen reduces its effectiveness in shielding your skin from UV damage. Make sure to use approximately one ounce (a shot glass full) of sunscreen for your entire body and apply a thick, even layer on all exposed areas. 2\. Skipping Hard-to-Reach Areas -------------------------------- Many people forget to apply sunscreen on hard-to-reach areas like the back of the neck, ears, and tops of the feet. Ask someone to help you cover these spots or use a spray sunscreen if you can't reach them yourself. 3\. Using Expired Sunscreen --------------------------- Expired sunscreen can lose its effectiveness over time, so always check the expiration date before using it. If the product has no expiration date, discard it after three years or if it shows signs of separation or a change in color or consistency. 4\. Relying Solely on Makeup with SPF ------------------------------------- Although some makeup products contain SPF, they typically do not provide enough coverage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 under your makeup to ensure adequate protection. 5\. Not Reapplying Sunscreen ---------------------------- Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Even water-resistant sunscreens can lose their effectiveness over time, so be vigilant about reapplication. 6\. Using the Wrong SPF ----------------------- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPF ratings offer slightly better protection but no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. 7\. Applying Sunscreen Too Late ------------------------------- Sunscreen needs time to form a protective barrier on your skin. Apply it at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to bind properly to your skin. 8\. Ignoring Cloudy Days ------------------------ UV rays can penetrate clouds and still cause skin damage. Don't skip sunscreen just because it's cloudy out; apply it daily as part of your skincare routine to ensure consistent protection. Conclusion ---------- Avoiding these common sunscreen mistakes can help you maximize your skin's protection from harmful UV rays. Make sure to apply the right amount of sunscreen, cover all exposed areas, reapply as needed, and choose the appropriate SPF to stay safe in the sun. --- *Originally published on [The Sense of Value](https://paragraph.com/@sensethevalue/8-sunscreen-mistakes-youre-probably-making)*