According to Cancer Council Australia, two thirds of Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. This shocking statistic demonstrates how important it is to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight, which can cause cancerous mutations in skin cells. You probably use sunscreen to protect your skin, but are you sure you're using it correctly? Many people make the following sunscreen mistakes, which can compromise their protection.
1. Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
Clouds filter out some UV radiation from sunlight, but enough gets through to cause skin damage. Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days can expose you to a huge amount of dangerous radiation during your lifetime. Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen every day, even when the sky is cloudy.
2. Forgetting to Reapply Sunscreen
According to SunSmart, you should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply it every two hours. If you apply sunscreen in the morning and then go out for the day without thinking about it again, you could raise your risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
3. Using Too Little Sunscreen
Many people apply only a thin layer of sunscreen to their skin, which can seriously reduce the amount of protect it provides. Apply at least a teaspoon of sunscreen to each leg and half a teaspoon to each arm. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to the face, neck, ears and any other exposed areas of skin.
4. Using Expired Sunscreen
Sunscreen doesn't last forever. Over time, the active ingredients break down, reducing the product's ability to protect your skin from sun damage. Always check the use by date on the sunscreen's packaging and buy a new bottle if it has expired.
5. Relying Solely on Sunscreen for Protection
Sunscreen reduces the amount of UV radiation that reaches your skin cells, but even the best sunscreens don't block 100% of the rays. In addition to using sunscreen, you should also try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you can't stay in the shade during this time, protect yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, covering your skin with light clothing, and wearing sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
6. Skipping Sunscreen in Favor of Makeup
Some cosmetic products claim to provide sun protection, but you shouldn't use them as an excuse to skip the sunscreen. Unless you're wearing very heavy foundation, it's unlikely to provide the same level of protection as a properly applied sunscreen. Always apply sunscreen to your face before you apply your makeup.
Share26 August 2016
Hey there. My name is Wade, and I have been a first aid volunteer for the past twenty years. Most weekends you will find me at football games, rodeos, agricultural shows or fun runs. I really love being able to help at these events and provide the necessary level of assistance. As a first responder, my medical role is very limited, but, many injured people do contact me to give thanks after they recover. This has further sparked my interest in health and medicine. I love watching medical shows and reading basic texts to gain a greater understanding of particular medical problems. I'm sure there are others like me who take an amateur interest in health and medical matters. I started this blog to share intriguing information I come across. I hope you find my topics fascinating and instructive. Thank you for dropping by.