The summer months have arrived and the hot weather we’ve longed for all year has finally arrived – but we need to watch our skin as we enjoy the warm spell with temperatures set to hit 30C this week.
Whether we go abroad or stay at home during our free time, applying sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun’s dangerous UV rays is something we should all do.
This is especially true for children and people with sensitive skin, as well as anyone who is at increased risk of developing skin cancer if they don’t take their precautions.
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There is no such thing as a ‘healthy tan’, the expert has warned (Image: Getty Images)
Yet many of us still haven’t learned how to get the most out of our sunscreen. According to an expert, many of us have applied our sunscreen incorrectly throughout our lives.
In conversation with The Sun, Dr. Stephanie Ooi, a GP at MyHealthcare Clinic in London, here are five common mistakes we made.
1. Not using enough sunscreen
Dr. Ewe said: “Most of us don’t put on enough sunscreen. To properly protect your face you have to apply sunscreen two finger lengths and for your body it is like a shot glass.
“If you’re using a spray bottle or roll-on, you’ll need to apply multiple passes or spritzes in each area to provide adequate protection.
“Clothes provide some protection, but don’t forget to go under clothing edges to make sure you have good coverage all over the body.”
When it comes to children, Dr. Ewe advised: “There are no specific rules, but you should apply sunscreen liberally – more is more!”
2. Using Weak Sunscreen
Dr. Ewe said: “Choose the highest SPF possible to give yourself the best protection. Some people choose lower SPFs because they believe it will increase vitamin D levels in their bodies, but studies have shown that vitamin D levels are not affected by a higher SPF sunscreen.
She added: “If you are concerned, you can always take a daily vitamin D supplement. The NHS recommends taking 10mcg (or 400 units) daily during the winter months.”
3. Do not apply sunscreen right away
Warning against delaying the application of sunscreen, Dr Eoi said: “Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside. In addition, most require reapplication every two hours.
“When you swim or sweat, you need to apply protection even more often.”
4. Do not check expiration date
Dr Ewe said: “You can check by looking at the back of the bottle – there will be a jar symbol with a number. This equates to the number of months it can be open before being thrown away.”
5. Don’t stay out of the sun
Warning: Sunscreen is a filter, not a blocker, explains Dr. Eoi: “The best protection is to stay completely out of the sun, especially during the hours when the sun is at its strongest, which is between 11am and 3pm.
“It’s not always possible to stay out of the sun, so seek shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat and cover with loose, breathable clothing. Remember, there is no such thing as a healthy tan.”
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