Use of sunscreen is essential to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. It helps prevent burns, premature aging and decreases the risk of skin cancer. However, there is a common and easy -to -make mistake that can nullify all this protection. The problem is not in the product, but in the way it is applied.
According to American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a professional association of dermatologists in the United States, the main failure is the insufficient or irregular application of the protector. Many people spread a too thin layer, hurry it or forget important body zones.
The result is that areas of the skin are exposed, becoming vulnerable to UV rays even when it is thought to be protected.
The zones that almost everyone forgets
The most frequently forgotten areas include ears, neck, especially behind and neck, feet and fingers, lips that also need specific protection, scalp in zones with open hair lines, and hands, especially the back. These areas receive direct radiation and can easily burn
The amount that guarantees protection
The recommended amount to ensure the indicated protection of sunscreens’ labels is based on a two milligrams per square centimeter skin centimeter.
In practice, this is equivalent to about half a teaspoon for face and neck, and a tablespoon for the whole body.
Use less than this significantly reduces the protection factor; For example, a SPF 50 product may, in practice, only offer SPF 15 or less.
The right time to apply the protector
Another frequent error is at the time of application. The ideal is to put the protector 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure so that the protective barrier is properly formed.
Apply the protector only after being in the sun leaves the skin vulnerable in the first minutes of contact
Reapply so as not to lose protection
Protector reapplication is equally fundamental. Even water -resistant products lose effectiveness over time due to sweat, friction of clothing or towel. The recommendation is to reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating too much.
Other important care
In addition to the correct use of the protector, other complementary measures are important. The use of wide tab hats, UV filter sunglasses, and lightweight lightweight clothes help reinforce protection.
Avoid exposure to the sun during the most radiation hours between 11am and 4pm remains one of the most effective ways to reduce risks.
The alert of an expert
According to, dermatologist Marisa Garshick explains that to ensure the protection announced on the sunscreen label, it is necessary to apply the amount used in laboratory tests, which corresponds to two milligrams per square centimeter skin. In practice, this is equivalent to about half a teaspoon for the face and neck together, or a quarter teaspoon for each of these areas.
According to the same expert, “to obtain the indicated protection on the product label, it is necessary to replicate the application made in the laboratory, which corresponds to two milligrams per square centimeter to a medium person.”
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