Sunscreen mistakes are easy to make, particularly when you think you’re doing everything right!
Maybe you’re working hard to choose what you think is a safe formula, then you’re applying it regularly before you go outside. You may even have a bottle in your car just in case.
But then your skin still gets pink, or you notice a burn in a place you know you applied sunscreen. What happened?
The truth is that sunscreen works only when it’s the right kind, used in the right amount, and refreshed at the right time.
That sounds a little complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you know the most common sunscreen mistakes most people make, you can make sure you keep your skin protected.
What Are Sunscreen Mistakes?
For most of us, it took a lot of reminding just to remember to use sunscreen. So when we finally do make it a regular habit, we can feel like we’re all good in that department.
Unfortunately, common sunscreen mistakes lower your sun protection, and you probably don’t even realize it.
Let’s start with the basics. Sunscreen protects your skin from ultraviolet rays, also called UV rays. There are two main types:
- UVB rays are the ones most linked to sunburn.
- UVA rays go deeper into the skin and are linked with early aging, dark spots, and skin damage over time.
That’s why dermatologists recommend a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen, as it will protect against both types of UV rays. The SPF number mostly measures UVB protection, so the words “broad-spectrum” are important as that shows that you’re more likely to get protection from both.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s even more important to know what you’re doing with sunscreen. Otherwise, you’re likely to experience even more redness, flare-ups, irritation, and more damage to your already vulnerable skin barrier.
Sunscreen Mistakes: Using Too Little
Most people don’t use enough sunscreen to get the SPF listed on the bottle. Sunscreen is tested in the laboratory using a thick, even layer. In real life, we usually apply a thinner layer for a couple of reasons. First, we may want to preserve the bottle for as long as possible. Second, we don’t want to look greasy or shiny.
One study from the Nambour Skin Cancer Prevention Trial found that people applied a median amount of only 0.79 mg/cm², which was less than half the amount needed to reach the labeled SPF.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that most adults need at a minimum about one ounce, or a shot-glass amount, to cover exposed body skin. For the face, they recommend at least one teaspoon.
A simple rule: use more than you think you need. Apply it in sections, then rub it in gently. Don’t forget your ears, hairline, neck, and the backs of your hands.
Sunscreen Mistakes: Not Reapplying
Most of us forget that sunscreen is unlikely to last all day. It wears down from sunlight, sweat, water, skin oils, rubbing, and time.
That means we need to re-apply more than we think. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends applying at least every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating. The AAD adds that people who burn usually use too little, forget to reapply, or use expired sunscreen.
To help yourself remember, try pairing reapplication with something you already do. Reapply after lunch, after a walk, after swimming, or before driving home.
Sunscreen Mistakes: Picking a Formula Your Skin Hates
The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use.
For many clean beauty lovers, that often means a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are considered the safest sunscreens. The FDA actually recommends these two as generally safe and effective. They sit on top of the skin and help reflect or scatter UV rays.
Mineral sunscreens are also less likely to sting or irritate the skin than chemical sunscreen formulas, so they’re often better for sensitive skin. The trade-off is that some can feel thicker or leave a white cast on the skin. But these formulas are getting better every day, and if you seek them out, you’re likely to find one that you’re happy with.
If you have sensitive skin, always try a small patch first. Look for fragrance-free options, and if you wear makeup, try a tinted mineral sunscreen so it blends more easily.
Sunscreen Mistakes: Using Expired or Overheated Sunscreen
The FDA says that sunscreens without an expiration date should be considered expired three years after purchase. They also recommend protecting your sunscreens from direct sun and heat because that can cause them to deteriorate. If your sunscreen smells funny, has changed color, or looks separated, toss it.
It’s probably best not to leave sunscreen in the car or beach bag, as that will heat it up. Keep it in a cool place inside, then if you take it outside with you, wrap it in a towel and keep it in the shade.
Sunscreen Mistakes: Relying on Sunscreen Alone
Sunscreen helps, but it’s best not to rely on it completely. Even a good broad-spectrum sunscreen doesn’t block every UV ray. The AAD says SPF 30 blocks about 97 percent of UVB rays, but no sunscreen blocks 100 percent. That means some UV exposure will still reach the skin.
One study, for instance, found that shade and protective clothing may be more effective than sunscreen as people typically use it in real life. Data on over 3,000 people found that frequent sunscreen use was not associated with fewer sunburns, but that the odds of multiple sunburns were significantly lower in those who frequently avoided the sun by seeking shade or wearing long sleeves.
The FDA recommends using sunscreen together with other sun-safe habits, such as wearing hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Limit your time in strong midday sun. This is especially important for sensitive skin because less UV Exposure usually means less redness and dryness and fewer flare-ups.
Sunscreen Mistakes: Ignoring Ingredients That May Raise Concerns
Another big sunscreen mistake is thinking they’re all basically the same.
They’re not.
Sunscreens use different ingredients. Some use mineral filters, as mentioned above, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are considered the safest as they sit on top of the skin. But many sunscreens use chemical filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octocrylene, avobenzone, and others.
And chemical sunscreens have been linked to a few health concerns. Some research, for instance, has shown that they may act like hormone disruptors, interfering with hormones in the body. Oxybenzone, also called benzophenone-3, is one of the most studied. Octinoxate has also been studied for possible hormone-related effects.
There are also concerns about retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that has sometimes been added to sunscreens. Vitamin A ingredients can be helpful in nighttime skincare, but during the day, they may be broken down by UV rays, after which they can contribute to free radical damage.
The safest approach is to look for broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. You may also want to avoid sunscreens that contain chemical filters, especially those you use daily on your face.
How to Avoid Sunscreen Mistakes Every Day
Here’s the simple version:
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Use enough to cover all exposed skin (more than you think)
- Apply it 15 minutes before going out
- Reapply every two hours, and sooner after swimming or sweating
- Don’t count on makeup SPF as your only protection
- Replace old sunscreen
- Support sensitive skin with gentle, barrier-loving care before and after sun exposure (our CV Skinlabs products are great for this!)
Your skin doesn’t need a complicated sun-protection routine. Just get into the habit of using a safe sunscreen, then when you can, seek out that shady tree!
Featured image by Kampus Production via Pexels.
