Where Should You Be Applying Sunscreen?

1. Where Should You Be Applying Sunscreen? Applying sunscreen is like giving your skin a shield against strong sun rays. Whether you are hitting the beach, going for a hike, or just stepping outside, protecting your skin is very important to living healthy and avoiding painful sunburns. Why Sunscreen Matters Sunscreen isn't just to stop sunburns—it's a way to protect your skin from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation that leads to various problems down the line, like skin cancer and premature aging. There are two primary forms of UV rays: UVA and UVB. It is the UVB rays that cause sunburn and help to develop melanoma skin cancers. UVA rays sink deeper into the skin structure, leading to premature aging, wrinkling, and other skin damage. Good sunscreen contains elements that protect against both UV rays types, drastically reducing your risks of these long-term skin problems. Where to Apply Sunscreen Now that we've covered why sunscreen is so important, let's talk about where to apply it for the best protection: 1. Face: It is considered the main thing of your sun protection strategy. Make sure that you cover all areas, from your forehead all the way to your cheeks,

2. nose, chin, and ears. These are necessary parts to protect from the sun and, therefore, are highly prone to damage by UV rays. Look for specifically facial sunscreens, which are designed to be lighter and won't clog your pores. 2. Neck: Don't forget to apply some on your neck. It is often overlooked but is as vulnerable to the sun's adverse effects as, not to mention more than, your face. Apply evenly and do not forget the sides and the back of your neck. 3. Arms: When applying sunscreen to your arms, start from the shoulders down to the level of the wrists. Don't forget the tops and the undersides of the arms. In case you are putting on short sleeves or no sleeves, it means that your arms are exposed directly to UV rays and should be safeguarded. 4. Hands: Your hands may be sunburned, too, and are subject to early wrinkling. Besides, remember to apply sunscreen to the tops of your hands. For additional daily defense for your hands, look for a hand cream with SPF. 5. Legs: In shorts, a skirt, or some swimming trunks, your legs are often bare to the sun. Lather sunscreen from thighs to ankles on your front and back sides. Be extra careful in areas that easily burn, such as knees and calves. 6. Feet: Yes, even your feet need sunscreen if they're exposed! Apply some to the tops of your feet and your toes, especially if you plan to wear sandals or be without shoes on your feet. 7. Back: If you have a hard-to-reach back, enlist someone else's help or use a spray-on sunscreen that you can influence at various angles, getting some on your whole back, including the back of your neck and shoulders. 8. Lips: This is another delicate area of your skin, so it may get sunburned easily. Besides that, lips are quite susceptible to dryness and cracking. Apply a lip balm with SPF before sun exposure and then reapply after eating, drinking, or swimming.

3. 9. Scalp: When there is thinning hair on your head or no hair at all, then your scalp becomes exposed directly to UV radiation. Apply scalp sunscreen to your scalp or wear a wide-brimmed hat for shade and protection. How Much Sunscreen to Use The effectiveness of sunscreen really depends on how much you put on. Most people do not use enough! So, here is a good rule of thumb: slather about a shot glass worth—about 1 ounce or two tablespoons—to your whole body. ➔On your face and neck, a nickel-sized amount is usually enough. ➔Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating, even if the sunscreen is labeled as water-resistant. Picking the Right Sunscreen Not all sunscreens are alike, so here are some tips to help you pick the right one: Broad-spectrum: Look for sunscreen that is labeled as "broad- spectrum," in other words, capable of protecting against both UVA and UVB perfectly. SPF: SPF literally stands for Sun Protection Factor, so it shows how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that has at least an SPF of 30. Water-resistant: If you will be in the water or if you will sweat, select a water-resistant sunscreen that retains the SPF after 40 or 80 minutes in the water. Sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, seek out sunscreens that also say 'hypoallergenic' and 'fragrance-free.'

4. Tips and Tricks for Sunscreen Apply sunscreen before spending time in the sun: It will take at least 15 minutes before your sunscreen's ingredients effectively get working in your skin. Check for expiration dates: Sunscreen does degrade over time, so check the expiration stamped on the bottle while you're buying the product and replace products past that date. Reapply often: Even if you're wearing water-resistant sunscreen, reapply every 2 hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating heavily. Apply daily: UV rays can pass through both clouds and windows, so in addition to applying it for protection during sunny days at the beach or park, do the same on cloudy days and indoor occasions near windows. Conclusion Slathering some sunscreen on is quite an easy but very significant step towards saving your skin from the dangerous rays of the sun. Covering the whole exposed body with the right amount of sunscreen reduces sunburn, increases premature aging of skin, and the risk of skin cancer. Shop Sunscreen based on your skin type and integrate it into your everyday chores, just like you brush your teeth or wear clothes.