Everyone knows that regular app ofsunscreenis yourbestdefense against pelt price and hide Crab . full - spectrum sunscreens with aSun Protection Factor(SPF ) of 30 or higher are best — they block harmful UVA and UVB rays — and should be reapplied every two hours . And not just on your face , but everywhere you ’re exposed to the sun .
Despite its ease of use , there are still some myths about sunscreen that persist . Before you head out to enjoy these warm summertime months , take a look at a few common misconceptions about using skin protection .
1. Myth: You’re probably using enough sunscreen.
Maybe you are , but there ’s a just chance you ’re not . Accordingto the American Academy of Dermatology Association , most people apply just 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen . You should be using a chatoyant glass - full — about 1 ounce — to efficaciously cover your entire torso .
2. Myth: Sunscreens can be waterproof or sweat-proof.
After slathering on sunscreen , you’re able to plunk into the syndicate and focus on your backstroke , absolutely unconcerned with your waterproof protection washing off . Right ? incorrect . Sunscreen can be water - resistant , meaning it wo n’t wash off as well as regular sun blocker , but it ’s not waterproofed or exertion - substantiation . company wererequiredto stop using thattermby the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) in 2011 . To be “ piddle - resistant , ” it has to stay on effective while you get in and out of water over a 40 - minute menstruum ( or 80 minutes for " very water supply - resistant " products ) . Still , it ’s just to reapply sunscreen after dumbfound out of the pee , sweating , or toweling off to ensure its effectualness .
3. Myth: The SPF in makeup is enough.
cosmetic with sunscreen blended in sometimes move people to devolve up any additional protection . That ’s not a good idea . For one thing , the makeup might not be unsubtle - spectrum , protectingagainst both UVA and UVB rays ; it might also have an SPF of less than 30 , which is n’t enough to protect effectively ( many dermatologists recommend30 and high ) . to boot , using makeup and sunscreen on just your font leaves the eternal sleep of your body vulnerable . It ’s best to reduplicate up , using sunscreen on any exposed skin in addition to anything ornamental on your cheek .
4. Myth: Sunscreen and sunblock are the same thing.
Nope . Sunscreen works chemically byfilteringthe sun ’s ultraviolet rays , convertingthem into heat released by the pelt , while sunblock create a forcible barrier using titanium dioxide and zinc oxide , reflecting them instead . ( Think of a lifeguard with a swatch of white program on their nose . ) The FDA ruled in 2011 that sunscreens can not be labeled as sunblock because of this difference . Both are good , but sunscreen may form well if you plan to be active ( and sweating ) and are concerned about your appearance . calcareous - white sunscreen is not always Instagram - favorable .
5. Myth: Sunscreen is good forever.
Not exactly . Although the FDAmandatesthat sunscreens remain effective for three days after manufacturing , some may not have expiration dates visible on the packaging . If you ’re not indisputable when you bought your sunscreen , it ’s good to get a new bottleful . And if you need a new bottleful , there ’s a good opportunity you ’re not using it nearly as often as you should . grant to the FDA , using the proper amount of sunscreen means you ’ll be ply out long before you get concerned about it being out of particular date .
6. Myth: You need sunscreen only in the summer.
UVA and UVB rays surely come in on solid in summer , but they’representanytime the sun is out — even in winter . All the blow and ice can refract the ultraviolet light rays , and the scathe they can cause is n’t influenced by the temperature outside . If you ’re snuff it to be outside for any length of time , apply sunscreen to the exposed areas of your skin — expression , cervix , and hand .
