Skincare experts have revealed the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to applying sunscreen.
While you should wear it year-round, FEMAIL asked a team of experts, including dermatologists and an esthetician, to share their best summer sunscreen tips.
They also looked at the minimum SPF you should be using daily, whether you’re indoors or out, how often you should reapply, and how much you should apply to your face and body.
When shopping for sunscreen, the experts say people should make sure their sunscreen is broad-spectrum and has an SPF of at least 30.
Two things people should look for when buying sunscreen is that it is broad spectrum and has an SPF of at least 30 (stock image)
Brands describe a product as “broad spectrum” when it protects against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
According to the Skin Cancer FoundationUVB rays can cause sunburn and play a role in the development of skin cancer, while UVA rays lead to skin damage, aging and wrinkles.
SPF stands for sun protection factor and it is a measure of how long it takes for the sun’s UV rays to turn your skin red compared to the time you don’t wear sunscreen.
To avoid damage, follow our experts’ advice below to make sure you get the best protection and what to look for when buying a sunscreen.
What is the minimum SPF people should use on a daily basis?
Doctor Mona Goharawho practices at the Dermatology Doctors of Connecticut and is one EltaMD board member, cited the American Academy of Dermatology as recommending a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher.
She said this was regardless of weather conditions or skin type.
“Remember that indoor lighting, computer screens, and cell phones can cause skin damage,” Dr. Gohara to DailyMail.com.
And it doesn’t matter if you’re indoors, either, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hale, senior vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation and chief medical advisor to the sunscreen brand Holidays.
“Even if you’re working indoors at home, UVA rays penetrate windows, otherwise you’ll run outside for a quick errand,” she said.
“Remember that indoor lighting, computer screens and cell phones can cause skin damage,” dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara to DailyMail.com (stock image)
That being said, if you stay indoors most of the day, you won’t have to reapply as often; a generously applied base coat is sufficient.’
beautician Johanna Czech — who counts Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, and Hailey Bieber as clients — added that she preferred to use up to SPF 35 for daily use on the face, as “a higher SPF can cause skin reactions.”
“Don’t forget your ears, hands, feet, soles of your feet and lips too, a mistake many people make,” she said.
Czech also advised people not to mix their SPF with other products, such as foundation or moisturizers, as this would affect its effectiveness.
“The SPF should also create an even shield-like layer on your skin for maximum sun protection,” she said.
“SPF should be the last step in your skincare routine before applying makeup.”
How often should people reapply their sunscreen?
Our experts are unanimous on this advice: every two hours.
“When you’re outside or at the beach, try to reapply your sunscreen every two hours — and even more often if you’re sweating, swimming, or toweling off,” explained Dr. Get out.
‘Also seek shade as much as possible and try to avoid the peak hours of sunlight (10am – 4pm). If you are exposed to the sun, in addition to applying (and reapplying) sunscreen, wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.”
But if “you really are indoors all day, applying a generous base coat in the morning will suffice,” she told DailyMail.com.
“Every time you leave the office, whether to run an errand or just walk around the block, reapply SPF beforehand.”
Dr. Gohara also advised people to consider increasing their sunscreen’s SPF if they start experiencing “more intense UV exposure.”
And this reapplication guideline also applies to the sunscreen you slather on your face in the morning.
For those who don’t want to bother with their makeup, Dr. Pick up an SPF powder or face mist, such as Vacation’s Super Spritz SPF 50.
How much sunscreen should be applied?
Czech recommends the two-finger rule, which should be enough to cover your face and neck.
Dr. Hale added that the official guideline was two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin, “but that can be hard to visualize.”
“Think of it as a shot glass full for your entire body, or half a dollop for your face, neck, and chest to ensure full coverage,” she told DailyMail.com.
“If you’re using a spray sunscreen, make sure you see an even sheen of the product all over, then rub it in with your hands.”
Beautician Joanna Czech recommends the two-finger rule, which should be enough to cover your face and neck
Can the same product be used for the face and body – both in terms of formula and SPF?
The experts said people should make sure their sunscreen was broad spectrum and had an SPF of at least 30.
Dr. Gohara added that you can use the same product for both the face and body.
But one could opt for a moisturizing formulation when it came to the face.
“EltaMD UV Daily is a perfect example, or if they have facial inflammation, such as acne, they may want an appropriate product like EltaMD UV Clear, which is made with a clear, lightweight texture and niacinamide to reduce irritation,” she said.
“In other words, faces may require more nuanced consideration when choosing a product.”
Dr. Hale agreed that people should use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for both your face and body.
“You can absolutely use the same formula from head to toe, but some people are more sensitive to products on their face. If so, sensitive skin tends to tolerate mineral formulas better and look for products that are fragrance-free,” she said.
And when it comes to shopping for the best sunscreen for you, Czech said there are two different types to look out for: physical and chemical.
‘Physical sunscreen contains the main ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Both ingredients form a protective barrier against the sun by sitting on your skin. This type of sunscreen is less likely to clog pores because it does not penetrate the dermis,’ explains the beautician.
‘On the other hand, chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the epidermis. It is important to apply chemical sunscreen 30 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun so that it has time to absorb into the skin.
“If you have acne-prone skin or sensitive skin, I would recommend a physical sunscreen.”
Dr. Gohara said people should also look for a sunscreen with a water-resistant formula and “choose brands…that are rooted in sunscreen science.”
And for those with dry skin, Dr. Hale to look for “moisturizing inactives that hydrate the skin, such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid.”
How to treat sunburn symptoms
“I should make an obvious caveat here: First of all, do your best to avoid sunburn,” Dr. Hale said.
But should the worst happen, the dermatologist advises to get out of the sun immediately.
“For any pain, an NSAID can help with the inflammation that comes from sunburn. Then apply a product like Vacation’s After Sun Gel, a really soothing aloe vera-based product that helps cool down the skin,” she said.
‘Make sure your skin stays well hydrated, because hydrated skin recovers more easily. If you are still in pain, one homeopathic remedy you can try is applying cold milk compresses; just make sure it is not skim milk as it is the fat and proteins in milk that soothe damaged skin.
Keep your skin hydrated and continue to use sunscreen after you get sunburned, the experts advised
“Finally, be sure to tell your dermatologist if you’re sunburned, as that directly increases your risk of skin cancer.”
Dr. Gohara added: “Wear sunscreen with any additional exposure, stay out of the sun if possible…and anti-inflammatories topically or orally if needed.”
As for the maximum amount of time people should spend in the sun, even if they’re wearing sunscreen, “There’s no number here, the idea is simply to protect yourself with clothing, SPF, and shade if possible.”
Are tanning oils ever OK to use?
Dr. Hale said oils were OK to use as long as they had at least an SPF of 30.
“You can use them like any other sunscreen. Make sure that if the formula isn’t water resistant, reapply it immediately if you sweat or are exposed to water,” she told DailyMail.com.
“Some people just prefer oils, and I’m so glad the days of ‘tanning oils’ are largely behind us.”
Any other sun protection tips?
Czech also warns people about heat-induced hyperpigmentation.
“While the sun is known to cause hyperpigmentation, hyperpigmentation caused by heat is also something to keep in mind during the warmer months,” she said.
‘SPF protects you well against the sun, but does not protect against the heat. I recommend The Cream from my skincare line, which contains a unique tetrapeptide defense that protects your skin from heat-induced hyperpigmentation.”