5 Common Sun Safety Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're spending the day at the ball field, working in the garden, relaxing by the pool, or taking a walk around the neighborhood, protecting your skin from the sun is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health.
Most people know sunscreen is important, but a few common habits can reduce its effectiveness or leave areas of your skin unprotected. Before you head outside this summer, here are five common sun safety mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Relying on Sunscreen Alone
Sunscreen is an important part of protecting your skin, but it's most effective when it's used correctly. Many people don't apply enough sunscreen to achieve the SPF protection listed on the bottle, and it's important to reapply every two hours—or more often if you're swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Sunscreen works best as part of a complete sun protection plan. Whenever possible, seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to help reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays. Developing these habits early and encouraging children to practice them, too, can help protect skin throughout a lifetime.
2. Using Old or Improperly Stored Sunscreen
Before your first trip to the beach or afternoon at the park, take a quick look at your sunscreen bottle. Sunscreen doesn't last forever, and expired products may not provide the level of protection you expect.
Storage matters, too. Leaving sunscreen in a hot car, beach bag, or another high-temperature environment for extended periods can cause the active ingredients to break down, making the product less effective. If your sunscreen is expired or has been exposed to excessive heat, it's a good idea to replace it before spending time outdoors.
3. Forgetting the Easy-to-Miss Spots
Even people who apply sunscreen regularly often miss a few important areas. The ears, lips, scalp, back of the neck, tops of the feet, and backs of the hands are all commonly overlooked.
These areas receive just as much sun exposure as the rest of your body and can be just as vulnerable to sun damage and skin cancer. If you have thinning hair or spend a lot of time outdoors, don't forget to protect your scalp by applying sunscreen designed for the scalp or by wearing a hat. Taking a few extra seconds to cover these areas can go a long way toward protecting your skin.
4. Saving Sun Protection for Beach Days
You don't have to spend hours at the pool to get significant sun exposure. UV rays are present year-round and can reach your skin even on cloudy days.
Everyday activities like gardening, walking the dog, attending outdoor events, and mowing the lawn can all add up over time. Even driving or sitting near a sunny window at work can expose your skin to UV rays, especially during longer periods. Making sunscreen part of your daily routine can help protect your skin throughout the year.
5. Assuming Sun Damage Is Only a Sunburn
A sunburn is one sign that UV rays have damaged your skin, but it isn't the only one. Over time, repeated sun exposure can contribute to premature aging, dark spots, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer—even if you've never had a severe sunburn.
Protecting your skin today can help reduce these risks in the future. It's also important to pay attention to your skin throughout the year. If you notice a new or changing mole, a sore that won't heal, or another area that concerns you, schedule an evaluation with a healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference.
Protect Your Skin for the Long Term
Protecting your skin doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple habits can help reduce your risk of sun damage while allowing you to enjoy everything summer has to offer.
