Sunburn feels bad, and long‑term skin damage can lead to serious health problems. The good news? A good sunscreen routine is easy, cheap, and works fast. Below you’ll find the basics on picking the right product, how to apply it, and when you need to reapply.
First, look for a label that says broad‑spectrum. That means the formula blocks both UVA (aging) and UVB (burn) rays. If you only see “UVA” or “UVB,” you’re missing half the protection.
Next, check the SPF number. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, which is enough for most outdoor activities. If you’re swimming, playing sports, or have very fair skin, bump up to SPF 50. Anything higher gives only a tiny extra boost but can feel heavier on the skin.
Water resistance matters if you’ll be sweating or getting wet. A “40 minutes water‑resistant” label means you need to reapply after swimming or heavy sweating. Look for “non‑comedogenic” if you have acne‑prone skin – it won’t clog pores.
Finally, decide between a lotion, spray, or stick. Lotions spread evenly, sprays are convenient for kids, and sticks work well on the face and ears without messy fingers. Pick what you’ll actually use every day.
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you head outside. This gives the chemicals time to bind to your skin. Use about a teaspoon‑size amount for each arm, leg, and your torso. For the face, a nickel‑size dollop works.
Don’t forget easy‑miss spots: the back of your neck, ears, tops of feet, and the part of your scalp you can see. If you have thinning hair or wear a hat, dab a little behind the ears and on the scalp.
Rub it in until the skin feels smooth, not sticky. If you’re using a spray, hold it about 6 inches away and spray until the skin is visibly wet. Then rub it in – sprays can leave thin patches if you don’t spread them.
Reapply every two hours, or sooner if you’re swimming, sweating, or towel‑drying. Setting a phone alarm can help you remember. For kids, a quick “sunscreen check” before each activity keeps you from missing a spot.
For everyday indoor life, you don’t need a full‑body coating. A light layer on exposed areas (face, hands, neck) is enough if you sit by a window or drive a lot.
Keep your sunscreen in a cool, dry place. Heat can break down the active ingredients, making the product less effective. If the bottle is past its expiration date, toss it and get a fresh one.
Bottom line: pick a broad‑spectrum SPF 30‑50 product that matches your skin type, apply a generous amount, and reapply regularly. With these simple steps, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about sun damage.
Learn effective, doctor‑backed strategies to protect your skin from Mycosis Fungoides, covering sun safety, moisturising, regular checks and lifestyle tweaks for lasting skin health.