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Meeko Media \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n <\/span> \nYou probably know sunscreen helps reduce your risk of skin cancer and prevents pesky wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of premature aging.\n<\/p>\n \nThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and many dermatologists say that lathering up before spending time outdoors is a must.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n“Sunscreen is one of the major components of sun protection,” Noelani Gonz\u00e1lez, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai West in New York, told Health<\/em>. Yet even people who slather it on religiously may not know the best practices for sunscreen. These 15 tips will help you truly protect yourself from UV rays.\n<\/p>\n 01<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nDon't wait until you get to your destination to apply sunscreen. Instead, use it at home so the product's fully effective before you get out in the sun.\n<\/p>\n \n“You actually want to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes prior to exposure,” explained Jeannette Graf, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. That way, it has time to get absorbed and start working\u2014so you don’t get UV exposure when your skin is vulnerable.\n<\/p>\n Sunscreen vs. Sunblock: What\u2019s the Difference and Which One Is Better?<\/span><\/p>\n 02<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nIt's best to apply sunscreen when you're entirely undressed and can apply it thoroughly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \nOtherwise, “if you already have a swimsuit or clothing on, you’re likely to apply it gingerly, so you don’t get it on your clothes, which makes you likely to miss a spot or not apply liberally enough,” said Noelle Sherber, MD, a dermatologist in private practice and clinical associate professor of dermatology at George Washington University.\n<\/p>\n \nApply sunscreen in front of a full-length mirror, said Dr. Sherber, which "helps ensure you entirely cover tricky spots like the mid-back and backs of the legs."\n<\/p>\n 03<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nDr. Graf said that just like the rest of your skin, lips are vulnerable to UV rays, so it’s essential to use sunscreen on your mouth.\n<\/p>\n \nBut don’t use the same stuff you use on the rest of your body\u2014it tastes weird and won’t last that long on your lips anyway. Try a lip balm with SPF, which is thicker, so it stays on longer.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n"Then reapply even more frequently than you do body sunscreen since talking, eating, and drinking removes the sunscreen on your lips faster," Dr. Graf explained.\n<\/p>\n 04<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nThere are a lot of less-obvious areas people tend to forget to cover in sunscreen\u2014and they're just as essential to protect.\n<\/p>\n \nDr. Graf said you should remember your:\n<\/p>\n \nPut that sunscreen everywhere<\/em>.\n<\/p>\n 05<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nThe small print on your sunscreen label matters, so make sure you're choosing the right sunscreen for your activity, especially if that activity involves sweat, a pool, or the ocean.\n<\/p>\n \n"Make sure you get a water-resistant formulation for swimming or activities where you'll perspire because non-water-resistant formulas can slide right off," Dr. Sherber said. "Plus, they tend to migrate into eyes and sting, whereas water-resistant ones won't."\n<\/p>\n 06<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nThere is a difference between face- and body-specific sunscreens.\n<\/p>\n \n"Facial skin is generally more sensitive to irritation than body skin, so face formulations have been tested to cause less irritation and not trigger acne," Dr. Sherber said. "If you're acne-prone or sensitive, avoid the body versions for your face, especially the dry-touch sprays\u2014they're full of alcohol, which is very drying and irritating for facial skin."\n<\/p>\n 07<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nDr. Graf said it might seem counterintuitive to slather on sunscreen on a gray or drizzly day, but you can get UV exposure without ever seeing the sun in the sky. Eighty percent of UV rays still come through on cloudy days,<\/span> so don't let the weather determine your sunscreen use\u2014apply it daily.\n<\/p>\n 08<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nDr. Graf said that the old rule about using a shot glass worth of sunscreen every time you apply still holds up. (That's about an ounce.)<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \nA nickel-size dollop is the right amount for your face. From the neck down, 2 mg of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin is necessary, equivalent to about 2 tablespoons.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \nBut now that more people are opting for continuous spray formulas, it can be hard to tell if you're getting enough coverage. To ensure you're using sprays correctly, Dr. Graf suggested holding the can six inches from your skin and spraying nonstop until you can see the moisture covering the entire area.\n<\/p>\n \n"Then rub it in\u2014yes, even if the bottle says you don't have to\u2014so you don't miss spots," Dr. Graf said. "And repeat the spray a second time."\n<\/p>\n 09<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nUnless you spend your time in a windowless bunker, you’re not protected from UV rays when you’re inside.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n."Driving can be a major source of incidental exposure," Dr. Sherber said. "The windows and windshield block UVB rays so you don't see a sunburn, but UVA seeps right in, and that's the spectrum that causes most skin aging and skin cancer."\n<\/p>\n \nYour best bet is to apply sunscreen every morning, then feel free to sit by a window or drive! At the very least, use a moisturizer with SPF (sun protection factor) if you don't want to add another step to your daily routine.\n<\/p>\n 10<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nIt used to be that many sunscreens only blocked UVB rays, the high-energy kind responsible for sunburns.\n<\/p>\n \nBut shielding against UVA rays is just as important, Dr. Graf said, because they "penetrate the skin more deeply, are constant throughout the year, and cause premature aging."\n<\/p>\n \nTo be fully covered, look for sunscreens labeled "broad spectrum," which block UVA and UVB rays.<\/span>These formulas are readily available nowadays.\n<\/p>\n 11<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nThe SPF measures how well the sunscreen blocks out UVB rays\u2014which primarily cause sunburns. There's a common misconception that the SPF tells you how much longer it would take to get a sunburn than if you went out in the sun with bare skin.\n<\/p>\n \nYou might think it takes 15 times longer to burn with an SPF 15 sunscreen. That's not true.<\/span> Many factors come into play regarding how quickly you burn, including the time of day, how much sunscreen you have on, and your skin characteristics.\n<\/p>\n \nSPF is a relative measure of the amount of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens that allows you to compare the level of sunburn protection provided by different brands.<\/span>The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15,<\/span> while the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends SPF 30 or higher.\n<\/p>\n \nBut should you go higher? The AAD guidelines say they don't provide much more protection\u2014SPF 30 blocks 97% of rays, while SPF 50 blocks just 1% more. However, they do have some additional benefits.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n"They absorb more free radical-producing energy, so I recommend them for the summer," Dr. Graf said.\n<\/p>\n \nGraf's caveat before you reach for the SPF 100: "The super-high SPFs can provide a false sense of security\u2014like you're protected for longer\u2014but you need to reapply just as often as you would an SPF 30."\n<\/p>\n 12<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nIf you're using enough sunscreen when applying\u2014that shot-glass worth or two coats of spray\u2014then having bottles left over from years past shouldn't be an issue.\n<\/p>\n \nBut if you have a sunscreen bottle that's been around for two years or more, Dr. Graf said to toss it since it can lose its effectiveness over time.\n<\/p>\n \nShelf life is up to three years, depending on your chosen formula. Look at that date before you make your purchase, and continue to pay attention to it.\n<\/p>\n \nSunscreens don't always show obvious signs they are past their prime. And some don't have expiration dates, so write the date you bought it on the bottle.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \nElizabeth Hale, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center, also advised keeping track of where your bottle has been.\n<\/p>\n \n"Exposure to UV light and heat can degrade a product much faster. Avoid leaving a bottle in the car, direct sunlight, or even the bathroom, which tends to get humid," Hale said.\n<\/p>\n 13<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nReapplying sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place because it doesn't last all day. How often should you reapply?\n<\/p>\n \nIt's best to layer on more SPF every two hours. And if you've gone for a swim (even if your SPF is water-resistant) or have been sweating excessively, reapply immediately after those activities.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \nTo be sure that you're covered head to toe, dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen before you get dressed and then reapplying to all exposed skin.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n 14<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nSeeking solace under a beach umbrella or an awning near the pool doesn't mean you get adequate sun protection.\n<\/p>\n \nSand and water reflect damaging rays, which means UV radiation still gets through when you're under a beach umbrella, "so you still have to apply sunscreen if you're sitting under cover," Dr. Graf said.\n<\/p>\n \nA 2017 study found that 78% of participants who used an umbrella and no sunscreen got sunburned in one or more areas.<\/span> And even if you don't get sunburned, you still get UV exposure.\n<\/p>\n 15<\/span> <\/span> <\/p>\n \nSunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement\u2014they’re critical to keeping your eyes safe from UV rays. Make sure your sunglasses offer UV protection because some inexpensive styles don’t have the protective coating.\n<\/p>\n \n"Without it, the dark lenses actually allow your pupils to dilate, allowing even more UV rays in, which can play a big role in cataract development," Dr. Sherber said. According to a 2021 study, people who didn't wear sunglasses had a 57% higher incidence of cataracts.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \nFinally, a healthy reason to buy a pair of lovely shades!\n<\/p>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n \nThe FDA still strongly recommends applying sunscreen daily. That's regardless of whether it's a sunny or cloudy day and whether you spend the day inside or out.\n<\/p>\n \nHow often you re-apply sunscreen will vary based on your activities, but starting your day with a layer of sunscreen before getting dressed, wearing sunglasses when outdoors, and using lip balm with SPF 15 or higher are three habits that will go a long way in protecting your skin from the sun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Meeko Media \/ Getty Images You probably know sunscreen helps reduce your risk of skin cancer and prevents pesky wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of premature aging. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and many dermatologists say that lathering up before spending time outdoors is a must. “Sunscreen is one of the major […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":17271,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1081,356,288,435],"tags":[1082,117,289,437],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17271"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17271"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17271\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17271"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17271"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17271"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Apply Sunscreen Before Going Outside <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Apply Sunscreen Before Getting Dressed <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Protect Your Lips <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Apply Sunscreen in Frequently Missed Spots <\/span> <\/h2>\n
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\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Choose Sunscreen Based On Your Activity <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Use the Right Sunscreen for Your Face <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Use Sunscreen on Cloudy Days <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Apply Enough Sunscreen <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Use Sunscreen Everyday <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Use a Broad-Spectrum Formula <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Choose the Right SPF <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Toss Old Sunscreen <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Reapply Sunscreen Frequently <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Wear Sunscreen Even in the Shade <\/span> <\/h2>\n
\nof 15<\/span><\/p>\n Protect Your Eyes <\/span> <\/h2>\n
A Quick Review <\/span> <\/h2>\n