The National Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, those errors could cost you big time. Here are 8 common sun protection errors—and what you should do instead.

You Dont Wear Enough
A 2007 study in the British Journal of Dermatology showed a massive gap between a sunscreen's theoretical sun-protection factor (SPF) and its real-world protection, because sunscreen users often apply only a quarter of the recommended amount. Tom Rohrer, M.D., a dermatologist in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts states that
"You should try to use roughly a shot glass of sunscreen for each application," In essence that's about 1.5 ounces, and for your face, go big with a teaspoon each time.

You Only Apply It Once
Too many people put their sunscreen on once and feel that they are fully protected, but even the sweatproof, waterproof, and "long-lasting" sunscreens wear off from sweating and swimming, Rohrer states that "you should stick to the rules of applying the first batch of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside, so that it can fully absorb into your skin. Then, reapply it every 2 hours or immediately after you take a swim or sweat excessively".

It's Not The Right Stuff
The Skin Cancer Foundation commends using a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Mark Lebwohl, M.D., chair of the Dermatology department at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York states that "Anything lower will block a portion of the sun's light, but not the whole broad spectrum, therefore damage will occur." Look for any brand with an ingredient called Mexoryl, it is a UVA-blocking composite that doesn't degrade as quickly in sunlight as other FDA-approved UVA filters.

You Rely On Your T-Shirt
William Heimer, M.D., a dermatologist in San Diego states that ”one should dress cautiously, a regular T-shirt only has an SPF of about 5, this means that a lot of UV light is filtering through." You can find cool styles of clothing with built-in SPF at sundayafternoons.com or you can sprinkle a laundry aid such as SunGuard into your wash therefore increasing clothing's SPF to 30.

You Forget Your Supporting Cast
You may have your body and face covered, but a lot of people forget about the eyes, lips, and head. UVA and UVB rays, which are invisible to the naked eye, can cause cataracts, eyelid cancers, and skin cancers. But any pair of sunglasses won’t do the trick—only the UV-blocking brands will work. You don't have to spring for an expensive set of Ray-Bans or Oakley, but make sure that you get lenses with 100% UV protection.

For your lips: the skin on your lips is very thin, making them particularly vulnerable to sun damage and your lower lip is one of the most common sites for squamous-cell carcinoma to set in. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one should always use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher on the lips and keep reapplying.

Finally, one should wear a broad-brimmed hat to cover your head and one that is made of mesh is not recommended. Lebwohl states that "A mesh hat isn't suitable protection because it still allows light to get in through to your scalp."

You Avoid the Sun Completely
When it comes to avoidance, there is the concerned aspect, and then there's paranoid. Don't go overboard and ignore the summer by spending it indoors. Truthfully, sunlight could also play a role in defeating melanoma. A 2005 study at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that melanoma patients who had the most sun exposure prior to diagnosis had better odds of survival. This is probably because Vitamin D, which is produced by the sun, can help slow the spread of cancer. But even then, one should take a Vitamin D supplement rather than becoming the sun’s best friend. At the end of the day, one should go out and enjoy the sun, but cover up!

You Drink the Wrong Caffeine
There's nothing wrong with a cup of coffee, but switching to tea could help fight cancer. Green tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants that act as a sort of self-destruct switch for the “could-be cancer cells” therefore causing them to die off before they can turn malignant.
Your prescription: Drink two large cups of green tea daily.

You Only Check for Raised Brown Spots
Ice Cube was right, “You do need to check yourself before you wreck yourself” and make sure to check often but don’t become obsessed over it. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends examining your skin from head to toe every month for anything suspicious, not just the raised brown spots. If you find any new or changing moles (size, shape, color, border), show them to your dermatologist immediately. Because not all cancer looks like cancer, Mohrer stipulates that "The majority of melanomas he has seen and diagnosed are flat on the skin,” and the basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the ones that are far more common than melanomas and can look like small clear or pink pimples that continue to grow slowly over time, says Mohrer. An estimated 2.8 million and 700,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S, So when in doubt, get it checked out.

Best Suncare Products

The Higher The SPF The Better!
“It depends on your skin type, typical day and location,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe (drnicklowe.com). “While olive and darker skins never need more than an SPF15 (the melanin in their skin gives them a built-in protection) everyone else should wear the same on an average working day, then up it to an SPF30 for summer days or holidays when the sun is more intense.”

SPF SOLUTION: Apply Dr Lowe's Supercharged SPF15 Day Cream, right, before foundation

When And How Much?

Jo Barlow, skincare specialist for MD Formulations sais that one should “Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going into the sun to give the product time to settle onto the skin's surface".Use a tablespoon of sunscreen on the limbs, back and torso and a teaspoon's worth on the face, including the eyelids and lips. Sweating can cause patchy coverage so reapply regularly.

SPF SOLUTION: Invisible Zinc's Brush-on Tinted Daywear SPF30 comes with a built-in applicator (selfridges.com)for a flawless complexion with protection. Dermalogica's Solar Defense Wipes SPF15 are great for festivals or when you're on the go.

Defence For Problem Skin

Skin Guru Dr Sebagh (drsebagh.com) states that “Anyone who suffers from acne should opt for an oil-free formula.” One should look out for products containing anti-histamine ingredients such as Symcalmin, plus moisturizing antioxidants such as Vitamin E (Tocopherol) to soothe sensitive, dry skins.

SPF SOLUTION: Clinique City Block Sheer SPF25, for oily skins and Avène SPF 20 Moderate Protection Spray (boots.com)is perfect for sensitive complexions.

Mineral Or Chemical?

While chemical-based sunscreens contain UV filtering ingredients, mineral versions work by bouncing the sun's rays. Dr Lowe states that “The advantages of chemical-based formulas are that several different liquids can be combined within them to work together and provide more effective protection.” Mineral products sit on the skin's surface (rather than sink in) so they won't clog pores if you're prone to breakouts. His top tip is to look for products that contain triazine, cinnamate and octocrylene.

SPF SOLUTION: Opt for Dr Lowe's range of chemical-based sunscreens or try MD Formulations' zinc oxide SPF30

PF Or Star Rating?

In addition to the old SPF system (an indication of protection against cancer-causing UVB rays), a new rating system uses a scale of one (lowest) to four (highest) stars to indicate its defense against the UVA light that's accountable for ageing. Combine a high SPF with a four-star rating and get the broad-spectrum protection your skin requires.

SPF SOLUTION: Soltan Invisible Spray SPF30 provides streak-free coverage and comes with a five-star UVA rating for the best of both worlds

Skin In The City

Dr Sebagh states that “City residents also need to protect themselves against heavy metal particles accumulated from car fumes and pollution, by choosing a product with an EPF or an Environmental Protection Factor.” A sunscreen with Vitamins such as E and C will fight this free radical damage that contributes to cellular skin aging.

SPF SOLUTION: Dr Sebagh Sun City Protection SPF30

Protection With Added Benefits
Dr Sebagh stipulates that “When a sunscreen is added to a multi-tasking product as an extra' and not as the main ingredient, it may not provide adequate protection.” Therefore one should apply the product and then follow it with another SPF to ensure that there is sufficient coverage.”

SPF SOLUTION: For multi-tasking protection, try Lancaster Cellulite-Burner Tan Booster SPF30  over the top of a regular sunscreen.

Best Powder Formula

Neutrogena Spectrum and Sunblock lotion SPF 55 

Scientists have recently discovered that UVA and UVB rays affect the skin topically as well as internally, therefore the cell structure breaks down. This new formula offers a stable and broad spectrum protection in the form of the patented HelioPlex360™, which also contains a serious blend of super antioxidants which fights consequent cellular damage. 

Available at: drugstore.com

 

Best Anti-Aging

Olay Professional Pro-Xage Repair lotion

Manhattan dermatologist Francesca Fuscu's recommendation is to apply a facial sunscreen with SPF 30 under one's makeup everyday. But if you're already applying an anti-aging product, an extra layer of lotion can start to feel muddy. Look for a two-in-one formula which blocks rays and also repairs existing damage with a powerful combination of antioxidants.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Skinceuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30

Many women dont use sunscreen because it causes inflammation of the skin— which isn't worth the hassle if they're just sitting in an office all day anyway. According to Santa Monica dermatologist Ava Shamban, this is more of a reason to stay protected. "UVA rays penetrate glass," she says. "If you feel the heat of the sun on your skin, shut the blinds." Even better, choose an oil-free lotion with encapsulated sunscreen, which has fewer chemical irritants than other formulas. 

Available at: skinceuticals.com

 

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

 

BullFrog Waterproof Surfer Formula gel sunblock SPF 36

Because they're neither drying nor heavy, water-resistant gel formulas are actually ideal for oily complexions. This soothing version was originally formulated for surfers! 

 

Best Heavy-Duty Protection

 

Coppertone Ultraguard waterproof sunscreen SPF 90+

For a day of outdoor sports, one can start with a thorough application of a heavy-duty, SPF 80 or 90 lotion at home. A spray-on formula is ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, but carefully applied cream formulas provide a solid base. 

 

Best for Easy Reapplication

 

Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray Ultra Sweatproof SPF 70+

"You'll need to reapply from head to toe at least every two hours and immediately after emerging from the water and toweling off," says Dr. Fusco. This waterproof mist gets 100 points for the beach bag-safe, locking cap, so spillage is no issue.

 

Best for Exposed Arms

Hawaiian Tropic Sensitive Skin Stick Sunscreen SPF 50

"I can always tell if a patient is the driver or passenger, based on the side of their face that shows the most damage," says Dr. Shamban. And arms aren't exempt either. Protect exposed forearms and hands with an SPF stick, which offers a mess-free application. Plane rides are also no exception, so cover up and request an aisle seat.

Best for Sporty Types

 

Ocean Potion Cool Dry Touch Sport SPF 50 sunscreen

If sweating off your sunscreen is an issue, you can look for products with a water/sweat-resistant formula and a touch of menthol. It will keep you cool, dry and safe.

 

Best Tinted Face Lotion

 

Dr. Brandt UV SPF 30 Face Tinted sunscreen

"Put at least 1½ teaspoons of sunscreen on your face. You need a lot more than you think," says dermatologist Leslie Baumann. A generous amount of this lightly tinted cream provides sheer coverage and potent sun protection.

 

Best for Infants

 

Mustela High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50

Protect infants under six months with long sleeves, a hat and SPF 50 sunscreen containing a physical blocker like zinc oxide, which is less irritating than chemical formulas.

Via: Menshealth,Thisislondon,Instyle

 

 

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