you’ve probably been doing it wrong all your life

Well lubricated, or not?
(Image: Unsplash/Kindel Media)

Summer is just around the corner. So there is a good chance that you will use sunscreen again. How to properly wear sunscreen is just a lot more complicated than you think.

Sunscreen has been rumored to be toxic for some time now. That’s why . has The Food and Drug Administration Have a look at different resources. And guess what? Sunscreen is not harmful to health, but it is often not used in the right way. Don’t panic, BECAUSE tells you what to do and what not to do.

How do you use sunscreen?

According to sunscreen expert George Zaidan, sunscreen alone is not enough protection. He told Inverse: “You should see sunscreen as an extra layer. The other layers are clothes, hats, sunglasses and your own behavior.” By your own behavior he means how you deal with the sun on a sunny day. For example, don’t intentionally sunbathe all afternoon. Certainly not in the middle of the day, when the sun is strongest.

Don’t do it again! (Afbeelding: Pexels / Andrea Piacquadio)

Melanie Palm, a dermatologist from California, agrees. Sunscreen is indispensable, she tells Inverse† Palm even recommends a factor of 30 or higher. Apply this at least 15 minutes before going outside. Just like with sunscreen, some clothing also has a certain factor called UPF. It tells you which part of the UV rays is blocked by the clothing. For example, UPF 50 clothing blocks almost all UV rays. Wearing sunscreen, UPF clothing and staying out of direct sunlight is the best way to protect yourself against the sun, according to Palm.

When do you use sunscreen?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends always wearing sunscreen when going outside, no matter how sunny or cloudy it is. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate the clouds. Also be aware that it is especially important to apply sunscreen around snow, sand and water. These surfaces reflect the sun’s rays, increasing the risk of burns.

Spread lightly and let it soak in. (Image: Pexels / Armin Rimoldi)

What is the best way to apply creams?

Most people rub sunscreen until the cream is no longer visible. While it may seem like this is the right way, according to George Zaidan, it wasn’t designed for this. What you’ll want to do instead is apply the cream on top of your skin and then let it dry. While the sunscreen dries, the cream stays on the top layer of your skin. This is why the sunscreen bottle label says to wait 15 minutes before swimming or going outside. This gives the cream the chance to dry completely.

Five smart BBQ gadgets that make summer that much better

Now that you know how to use sunscreen, you can go out into the garden. How about a cozy BBQ? Read in this article which gadgets you should not miss!

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Sunburn in the summer: you’ve probably been doing it wrong all your life