The dos and don'ts of wearing sunscreen

SPF is an acronym for "sun protection factor," and most experts agree that SPF 30 is the standard for providing adequate sun protection. Higher SPF sunscreens don't offer much additional protection. 

Even though it might feel a little sticky, it's important to use enough sunscreen to fully cover the surface of your skin. Use a little more than you might think. 

Sunscreens lose their ability to block the sun's rays over time, and an expired bottle could leave you with a nasty sunburn. Check the date before applying, and toss out any old tubes in your cabinet that are past their best-by date. 

Hands are easy to forget when it comes to applying sunscreen, but they can definitely be susceptible to sun damage. Consider a lotion with added SPF for moisture and sun protection. 

Physical sunscreens use mineral particles to block the sun's rays, like zinc, while chemical sunscreens work to convert those rays into heat before releasing them from your body. Some folks are sensitive to chemical sunscreens, while others may prefer them over the thick, hard-to-rub-in physical sunscreens. 

If you're out swimming or being active, it's important to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours. Check your specific sunscreen for its guidelines on how often to reapply, and set an alarm on your phone to make sure you don't miss that time. 

Sunscreen can clog pores, but many brands offer non-comedogenic options that are great for people who have acne or sensitive skin. Look for brands like La Roche Posay, or CeraVe, for the most gentle sunscreens for facial skin. 

If you're applying a spray sunscreen, make sure to rub it in thoroughly to ensure that it's actually penetrating into your skin. Otherwise, you could end up with little sunburnt spots where the mist didn't quite settle in. 

Sun protection isn't only found in a tube. Long sleeves and sunglasses can do a great job in protecting eyes and skin from the sun, as can UV-protective clothing and swimwear. 

Even if your tinted moisturizer boasts that it's got SPF, you're probably still better off using a separate sunscreen in addition to that product. Because makeup is usually applied in thin layers to achieve a natural look, it's likely not powerful enough to keep out damaging sun rays. Just to be safe, double up with a sunscreen specifically designed for facial skin. 

Hats are a really excellent weapon in the fight against sun damage, especially when they're wide-brimmed. If you're planning to spend a whole day out in the sun, bring along a hat to ensure that a missed spot doesn't end up sunburnt. 

When you spend most of your time indoors, it's easy to think that sunscreen isn't necessary. But thanks to windows, it's still possible for the sun's rays to reach your skin. It's best to make it a habit to apply daily, even if you're not planning on sitting outside. 

Sunscreens can contain chemicals that are damaging to marine life, especially delicate coral reefs. If you're planning to swim in ocean waters on vacation, purchase a sunscreen that is designated as "reef-safe" to avoid contributing to further damage to the ocean's coral reefs. 

Many experts believe that extremely high SPF products are actually less effective, and can result in people getting less of the sun's benefits, like vitamin D production. There's no need to splash out tons of cash on SPF 80 — SPF 30 is perfectly fine. 

Don't forget about your lips! Lip skin is fragile and easily sunburnt, and that can be mostly avoided by frequently applying a lip balm that's loaded with SPF. 

When you're slathering yourself or the kids with sunscreen, be thorough. It's easy to forget certain parts of the body, like exposed skin on the scalp or the tops of the feet, which are quick targets for the sun. 

Experts generally agree that two ounces, or the size of a typical shot glass, is a reasonable amount of sunscreen for the body. If you're struggling to figure out the right amount, fill a shot glass with your preferred sun protection for a little extra peace of mind.

Once you're out in the sun, its damaging rays are already touching your skin. Plan to apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before heading outdoors so that it has time to sink into the skin and work effectively. 

After lathering up with sunscreen, it's tempting to jump right in the pool or immediately get into your hike. But give yourself a few minutes to dry down first. If you don't, it's likely that much of the product will get rubbed away by clothing or other surfaces instead of protecting your skin. 

Because many sunscreens are sold in small tubes, it's easy to find yourself without sun protection when it's time for a day at the beach. Keep a small stock of sunscreen to ensure that this doesn't happen, but make sure that you're not stashing more than you can use before it expires.