Regularly wearing sunscreen is a key part of optimal skin care. Whether you’re heading out to the beach, running errands, or grabbing dinner on an outdoor terrace, ensuring your skin is protected from harmful UV rays is essential.
But do you know how to apply sunscreen correctly for maximum protection? Explore our guide on how to choose the right sunscreen, when to apply, how much to wear, how often to reapply, and more.
Choose the Right Sunscreen
It can be tempting to grab a bottle of sunscreen by the check-out stand at the grocery store or drug store–but formulations and ingredients really matter when it comes to sunscreen For the best possible skin care and protection, we recommend choosing one that is water resistant, has a minimum SPF of 30 or more, and protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. (Tip: to determine which sunscreen may be best for you, ask your BodyLase® provider next time you’re in the spa!)
Apply Before You Go Outside
The moment your skin is exposed to the sun, the damage is already occurring. It’s critical to apply sunscreen before going outside. At BodyLase, our skin care specialists recommend applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going into the sun to maximize your protection. It’s also important to apply sunscreen every day–not just when you are heading out into the sun. Secondary sun exposure–when driving, waiting on the soccer sidelines, and more can add up to sun damage very quickly, even if you never burn.
Make Sure You Apply Enough Sunscreen
Generally, the average adult needs around 1 ounce—a shot glass worth—of sunscreen to fully cover their body. Don’t skimp during application and make sure to get sneaky areas like the tops of your ears, behind your neck, and around clothing straps. (And yes, you should even apply sunscreen to parts of your body that may be covered with clothing!)
Reapply Every Two Hours
Sunscreen isn’t a one and done kind of thing. For optimal protection, it’s crucial that you reapply every two hours for maximum safety. If you are swimming or exercising, make sure to reapply every hour, as these activities can cause the sunscreen to wear off faster.
Clouds Don’t Mean Coverage
Clouds don’t necessarily mean you’re protected from harmful UV rays. Any time you are outside, you are exposed to UVA and UVB radiation, which is linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Even if it’s cloudy outside, our skin care specialists recommend you make a habit of applying sunscreen daily.
Pair Sunscreen with Other Forms of Protection
Though sunscreen provides a great amount of protection, it’s best to combine it with other forms of coverage, such as wide-brimmed hats, lip balms with an SPF of 30 or more, and long-sleeved shirts or clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50 or more.
Elevate Your Summer Skin Care
Skin care and protection is a year-round task, but especially so during the summer months when you’re likely spending more time outdoors. This is why it’s important to learn as much as you can about taking care of your skin this season.
At BodyLase, our skin care specialists provide personalized treatment plans to help you protect your skin from summertime sun damage. Additionally, we offer a broad spectrum of med spa treatments and products that effectively address sun damage, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.
Give us a call at (919) 298-2359 or browse our Aesthetic Concerns page to learn more about the type of skin concerns we can correct with our treatments.
