How to Wear Sunscreen

Sunscreen is important in not only protecting your skin from burning but in lessening your chances of skin cancer, damage and wrinkles. Proper application will promote healthy, youthful skin and keep your skin looking flawless. Follow these easy tips to properly use sunscreen; it's not just for the beach.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen
• <br>Lib balm with SPF
• <br>Cover-up clothing
• <br>Alternate sun protections, such as a hat or an umbrella

Instructions

How to Wear Sunscreen

1. Choose the correct sunscreen for you. Always choose a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection. This will ensure you are protected against both types of ultraviolet rays. Next, note the level of protection a sunscreen offers. The number on the bottle notes the amount of protection it offers. This number is best understood by a simple multiplication formula: The time it takes you to burn times the level of SPF protection equals the new time it would take for you to burn. So, if you'll usually burn in 5 minutes, and choose an SPF 30, you will now burn in 150 minutes. Remember, this is only if you properly apply sunscreen throughout that 150 minutes as well. Better safe than sorry, so choose a level higher than what you need.

2. Any area that sees the sun should be covered. It may be easiest to apply to your full body before even changing to head out. That way, you'll cover all the areas that are usually missed, such as the edges of swimsuits or the tops of feet. Don't forget that bare spots on the scalp, your ears and the back of your neck all count, too!

3. Reapply. Sunscreen is not a coat of armor; it needs to be monitored and reapplied often. It needs to be reapplied at least every one to two hours and even more often if you're in the water or sweating. Waterproof sunblocks offer a bit more lenience, but still need to be reapplied about as often.

4. Cover up. Help your sunscreen out by shading yourself with an umbrella, a hat or a T-shirt. The less direct sunlight you face, the better.

Tips & Warnings

• Sunscreen is not a beach-only product. It's best to wear it daily for best sun protection.

• <br>If it's dreary outside, you still need sunblock. UVA and UVB rays are still present on rainy days.

• Don't forget that sunscreen is not perfect. Places where it is nearly impossible to apply sunscreen, such as the scalp, can still burn. Wear a hat when possible and cover up when you can. Lips count too, so stock up on SPF-infused lip balm.