Sunscreen 101

We all know that we should be wearing sunscreen now that the sunny days of summer are here, but do you know what you are doing wrong with that sunscreen? Here are the biggest mistakes we are making when it comes to sunscreen.

• You wait until you are outside to apply your sunscreen. : According to experts, you should apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to going out in the sun.  That way it has time to absorb into your skin, plus you won't get those harmful UV rays during those crucial minutes when you are first in the sun.

• You apply your sunscreen around your clothes and/or swim gear. : If you are applying your sunscreen around your clothes or swimsuit then you may be missing parts of your body because you are worried about getting the lotion on your clothes or swimsuit.  It's best to apply your sunscreen when you are naked and you can better make sure that you aren't missing any important spots.

• You forget about your lips. : Your lips are vulnerable to harmful UV rays just like the rest of your body.  You shouldn't use the same sunscreen that you use on your body though; be sure to purchase a lip balm that contains SPF and is thicker so it stays on longer.

• You miss other important areas. : According to experts, the most common areas missed are: the toes and feet including the bottom of the feet, underarms, back of the neck and under the hairline, ears and especially the tops of your ears, eyelids and inner upper arms.  Sunscreen should be everywhere as the sun doesn't discriminate.

• You sweat or rinse it all off. : Be sure to read your sunscreen label and make sure you are choosing the correct sunscreen for the activity you will be participating in : like swimming or working out outdoors.  Make sure you choose a water-resistant lotion for swimming or activities where you may be sweating a lot.

• You are using a face sunscreen on your body or vice versa. : Different types of sunscreens are made for different reasons on purpose.  Sunscreen created for your face is created with special chemicals and formulas so it does not cause irritation to your face : and the same goes for body sunscreen.  Body sunscreen tends to contain alcohol which can dry out the skin on your face.

• You only use sunscreen when it is nice outside. : Many people only slather on the sunscreen when the sun's rays are in full bloom. But that can be one of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to sunscreen and when to apply it.  Experts say that you can indeed still get UV rays even on the grayest of days, actually 80% of UV rays still come through on cloudy days.

• You think you are safe indoors or in a car. : Driving can be a major source of incidental sun exposure. Windows and windshields block out UVB rays, but UVA rays can still seep in and those rays are on the spectrum that can cause the most skin aging and skin cancer.