How to Prevent a Sneaky Sunburn

You probably carry a bottle of sunscreen with SPF 15 or above in your beach bag. You even faithfully reapply it after swimming. But do you remember to use sunscreen if you’re out for a run on a cloudy day or sitting near your office window? Chances are, the answer is no.

You may be surprised to know that you can still get a sunburn on an overcast day, or if you have prolonged sun exposure while driving or sitting near a window. For the best protection, get in the habit of applying sunscreen as part of your daily routine, just like washing your face or brushing your teeth. Here are some tips:

• Choose the right sunscreen. The one you use at the beach may not work for every application. Experiment with different sunscreens to see which ones you prefer for outdoor exercise, swimming or daily wear. Always make sure your sunscreen is SPF 15 or above and offers “broad spectrum” protection.
• Remember the “forgotten” zones. Behind your ears, the back of your neck and your lips are common sunburn zones, but many people forget to apply sunscreen there.
• Reapply. Even if you haven’t been swimming or sweating, sunscreen still wears off. In general, you should reapply it every two to three hours.
• “Spread the love with SPF 15 or above.” A few dabs of sunscreen simply won’t do. The average adult needs the equivalent of a shot glass full of sunscreen for adequate coverage and protection. And ladies, makeup that includes SPF is a good start, but not enough protection on its own. You still need to use a separate sunscreen.
• Read the label. It will give you valuable information, such as when you should reapply your sunscreen, its expiration date and its active ingredients.   

One final note: remember that you need sunscreen year-round, not just in the summer. Start good sunscreen habits now and you’ll be ready to continue them into the fall and winter. For more information and tips like these, explore www.protectyourskinde.com.