It's no secret that sunscreen is important. For many of us, it's been drilled into our heads since we were little! Sunscreen protects us from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays, which can cause skin cancer and wrinkles. But many people don't realize that simply putting on sunscreen is not enough. To be properly protected, you have to reapply sunscreen often. According to John Hopkins Medicine, a recommended every two hours regardless of the SPF rating.
"But WHY?" you ask. We got you, let us explain.
- Applying mineral sunscreen forms a barrier on your skin that protects you from UV rays. But after a couple of hours, this protective barrier begins to break down, hence the need to reapply.
- After two hours, chemical sunscreen which is absorbed into your skin breaks down in prolonged sun exposure.
- The sun increases exposure to UV rays about 30 percent more as the hours go by without reapplication.
- UV rays cause skin cancer and premature aging of your skin. If a person spends too much time in the sun without sunscreen, they are at a greater risk of developing both of these conditions.
- Most people don't apply enough sunscreen on the first application so reapplication ensures your skin is protected throughout the day regardless.
- Most people don't apply sunscreen properly (missed areas or uneven application) so reapplication results in a better chance of getting exposed skin covered.
- The sun's UV rays are especially strong at high altitudes, so people who ski or snowboard should reapply more frequently to ensure they're protected while they enjoy the mountains.
How often should you reapply sunscreen?
In general, experts recommend that everyone:
1. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
2. Reapply more frequently if you're sweating or swimming because sunscreen washes off when you sweat. If you're swimming, the chlorine and minerals in the water will break down your sunscreen.
3. Reapply immediately after towel drying because your skin is still damp from the towel and is vulnerable to UV rays.
4. Reapply more frequently for people with fair or light skin and babies, who need to be protected from UV rays more so than adults.
What happens if I don't reapply sunscreen?
If you forget or don't care to reapply your sunscreen, you are risking more than just a sunburn. Exposure to UV rays, even if it's only a little over time, it can lead to skin cancer, pre-mature aging, and more. Many experts think this is the primary reason so many people get skin cancer – not because they stay out in the sun too long, but because they underestimate how often they need to reapply sunscreen.
So, long story short, make sure you reapply sunscreen often! Take special care when engaged in activities that make you sweat, water activities, or if you will be in the sun for an extended amount of time.
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