#1 Not using enough sunscreen
As a general guide, you should be applying an amount relative to a 50-cent coin for your face, and a full shot glass amount on your body. If you’re applying less than the recommended amount, you might end up not getting the full SPF rating which the sunscreen has to offer. Spray-on sunscreens are great for touching up, but they should never be the sole sun protection you’re relying on.
#2 Not reapplying sunscreen at all
Unlike foundation, sunscreen isn’t one of those products that offers all-day wear or protection. In fact, sunscreens starts degenerating the moment it’s exposed to the sun, and lasts for approximately two hours. This means that reapplication is necessary every two hours to ensure that you’re getting full protection against UV rays.
#3 Going for the highest SPF rating
Most people think that going for a higher SPF (or Sun Protection Factor) rating means that they’re getting more protection against UV rays. This is far from the truth, an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97 per cent or UVB ray, while SPF 50 gives you protection against 98 per cent of UVB rays. Any sunscreen with a rating above 50 offers negligible improvement in the amount of protection, which is why most sunscreens which offer more than SPF 50 would list it as “SPF 50+” instead.
#4 Not reapplying sunscreen after you get out of the pool
With the exception of the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector range, which actually forms stronger bonds when you get wet, most other sunscreens require reapplication as they might come off in contact with water. After emerging from the pool or sea, dry off and put on another layer of sunscreen to get full protection against the sun.
#5 Not applying sunscreen because you’re indoors
It might not feel like the sun is doing damage to your skin when you’re cooped up in an air-conditioned office, but ultraviolet rays are able to penetrate the windows. Load up on sunscreen even if you expect to be indoors all day.
READ MORE:
12 Best Sunscreens For Singapore’s Weather
Top 12 Sunscreens That Won’t Make Your Face Look Chalky Or Greasy
Best Tinted Sunscreens For Getting The No-Makeup Makeup Look