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Okay, so you’ve dutifully applied sunscreen to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays. But are you accidentally negating its benefits by making any of these sunscreen mistakes?
1. ONLY APPLYING SUNSCREEN WHEN IT’S SUNNY OUTSIDE
Instead, be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen every day, rain or shine. It’s easy to think of using sunscreen on a sunny day if you’re going on a hike, sitting near a pool, or going to the beach. Don’t think your skin doesn’t need sunscreen on overcast days, because UV radiation still reaches the Earth and bombards skin 365 days a year. Even if you’re not outside, UV rays can find you if you’re sitting next to a window inside your house, a car, or a plane.
2. USING A SUNSCREEN WITH LESS THAN 30 SPF
Instead, spend your hard-earned money on sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or more. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measurement of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin against UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 or more for effective protection against UVA and UBV rays. Both UVA and UVB rays can damage skin’s DNA and lead to skin cancer.
3. NOT USING A BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN
Be sure to choose “broad-spectrum” coverage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen or BB cream provides a range of protection from UVA and UVB rays, which are two main types of UV rays produced by the sun that penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and damage the skin.
- UVB rays damage the skin’s outer layers and are primarily responsible for painful sunburn and skin redness. Bottom line: Think of the B in UVB as the B in Burn.
- UVA rays penetrate even more deeply into skin. UVA rays are the main cause of signs of premature aging, such as dark spots, wrinkles, discoloration, crepiness, and sagging. Bottom line: Think of the A in UVA as the A in Aging.
4. NOT USING ENOUGH SUNSCREEN OR APPLYING OFTEN ENOUGH
Instead, don’t skimp. Apply a quarter-sized dollop on face, ears, neck, and décolleté, and even more on other exposed areas of the body. Don’t forget overlooked areas like your ears, the back of your neck, and exposed areas of your feet. Be sure to re-apply throughout the day.
5. MIXING SUNSCREEN WITH OTHER SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Instead of mixing and diluting SPF protection, layer sunscreen on top of or underneath makeup or other skincare products. That SPF value was painstakingly achieved in the lab, and you don’t want to alter it by mixing other products into it.
WHY IS UVA/UVB PROTECTION SO IMPORTANT?
Exposure to UV rays triggers signs of premature aging, like wrinkles, dark spots, uneven tone, and more. And that’s not all. MOST CASES OF MELANOMA ARE CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO UV RAYS. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can become deadly if left unchecked.
Skin cancer is sneaky! If any spot looks unusual, even if it’s not dark in color, make an appointment with a dermatologist right away. A dermatologist’s trained eye can easily identify if a biopsy is needed to identify skin cancer.
When it comes to checking for melanoma, do you know what to look for? Get schooled in the ABCDE’s of melanoma:
- A is for Asymmetry: Look for dark spots with an asymmetrical or irregular shape.
- B is for Border: Be aware of spots with an irregular or uneven border.
- C is for Color: Watch for problem spots that contain more than one color.
- D is for Diameter: Check moles with a diameter larger than a pencil eraser.
- E is for Evolution: Monitor dark spots that evolve or change in size or color.
PROTECT and PERFECT YOUR SKIN with JUST GLOW BB CREAM. This mineral-based, SPF 50 beauty balm wards off UV damage and camouflages uneven skin tone and imperfections, creating flawless, glowy skin. Dermatologist-tested, tinted formula with technologically advanced peptides combat UVA and UVB rays and damage from environmental stressors, as soothing shea butter, vitamin B, and hyaluronic acid help promote a youthful-looking, radiant glow.
