With summer right around the corner, it's important to understand how to apply sunscreen. It seems simple but most people over look it. Sunscreen should be applied every time you go outside. This may seem excessive but it's one of the best ways to protect your skin. If you do not want to apply sunscreen make sure to be wearing protective clothing. This includes hats, sunglasses, or long sleeve shirts and pants. Now during summer, we don't want to be wearing clothing that will make us hot so instead we need to apply sunscreen to all the exposed skin.
Choosing a sunscreen is very important. The first thing you should do is pick a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This will block most of the sun's ultraviolet rays. You also want to look for the word broad spectrum on the sunscreen. This will protect your skin from premature skin aging and also getting a sunburn. If the sunscreen does not protect against UVA rays and UVB rays you will have a higher risk of getting skin cancer. You also want a sunscreen that is water resistant. This way it will still work when you go swimming or if you are sweating. It's best to apply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after you get wet.
The type of sunscreen you use, spray or rub on, depends on your personal preference. Sprays are easy to apply but you may end up missing some areas. You can't measure how much mist is going on your body compared to cream sunscreens. Most people are more likely to use sprays though because it doesn't take too long to apply and doesn't leave your hands feeling all greasy. The best way to protect your face is to use a creamy rub on sunscreen. This way you are not breathing in fumes that spray sunscreen contains. If you are going to be out in the sun for a long period of time you could always start with a cream sunscreen and reapply with a spray!
Regardless of what kind of sunscreen you choose, just make sure you are taking the proper steps to protect your skin!
Source: https://www.aad.org