The scorching sun and its harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays aren’t the only things that toast our skin. Most of us have returned to work, exposing our skin to more sun, dealing with pollutants, and sitting in a frigid, centralised AC building all day long—our skin is invariably dealing with a lot all over again. It’s time to get our skin ready and protected with a magical shield known as “sunscreen.”
But what about the spots we often miss while applying SPF? Take a quarter-sized drop of your favourite sunscreen and massage it all over your face. Trust us, you’re good to go if you pay careful attention to often-overlooked areas like the neck and eyelids. Having said that, here’s a lowdown of the spots that require your attention right now!
Spots You Need To Focus On While Applying Sunscreen On Your Face
Studies confirm that most of us get sunburn, sun spots, and sun damage on our noses because of the inapt application of sunscreen.
But what about our lips? Do we use a lip balm that offers a broad-spectrum SPF of 15 or more? Nah! The lower lip, in particular, is extremely vulnerable to skin cancer since it is exposed to the sun on a daily basis and is one of the most common sites for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Another spot we’re missing is our ears and the back of our ears. We often neglect this area because our spectacles have taken permanent residence there. Also, never miss a spot on your eyelids because if there’s no sunscreen, there’s no protection.
These Are The Spots On The Body We Often Tend To Miss
Skin cancers can appear on any area of the body – even those that are not exposed to ultraviolet rays. However, many of us overlook applying sunscreen on the elbows and knee pits (the back of our knees), armpits, exposed scalp, back of the neck, and the tops of your hands and feet. What’s the easiest approach to make sure you’re completely covered? Slather a good amount of sunscreen before getting dressed, and reapply before you step out.
When To Apply Sunscreen?
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First and foremost, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out in the sun (for optimum results) so that it can be absorbed by the skin and is less likely to be washed away when you sweat. Second, after swimming or vigorous exercise, remember to reapply sunscreen. Finally, if you work outdoors, apply sunscreen frequently throughout the day and wear caps and protective clothing.
Here’s How To Apply Sunscreen Correctly
Lay It On Thick
Apply a tablespoon of sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 30) to your face and 4 spoons on your body.
Dot. Dot. Dot.
Rather than squeezing a gigantic dollop onto your palms and applying it. This method aids in faster and more even absorption.
Physical Sunscreen Is Your Bestie!
Because zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are minerals that absorb UV rays, they function quicker unlike chemical sunscreen, which must be absorbed before light can be converted to heat energy in the skin.
Reapply Every 90 minutes
Many sunscreens become unstable (that is, ineffective) when exposed to sun, according to a top sunscreen formulator. Isn’t it ironic? That means it simply stops working, requiring you to reapply them every few hours. Consider it akin to mouthwash.
So, get going and glowing with the right amount of sunscreen on every part of your body!
Featured Image: Instagram
