SPF Dos and Don'ts

When it comes to sun protection, there are some basic SPF (sun protection factor) dos and don'ts that everyone should be aware of. SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, skin aging, and even skin cancer. In this blog post, we'll cover some of the most important SPF dos and don'ts to help you protect your skin and stay healthy.

Dos:

1. Do choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, which are both harmful to your skin. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
2. Do apply sunscreen liberally. Most people don't use enough sunscreen, which means they aren't getting the full protection advertised on the label. Experts recommend using about a shot glass-sized amount of sunscreen for your whole body, and reapplying every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
3. Do wear protective clothing. Sunscreen alone isn't enough to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck.
4. Do seek shade. Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day (between 10am and 4pm) when the sun's rays are strongest. If you're outside, find a shady spot to relax in.
5. Do use SPF lip balm. Your lips can also get sunburned, so make sure to apply SPF lip balm to protect them.

Don'ts:

1. Don't rely on high SPF alone. Just because a sunscreen has a high SPF doesn't mean you're completely protected. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection from the sun's harmful rays, so make sure to use other forms of sun protection, like protective clothing and shade.
2. Don't use sunscreen past its expiration date. Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time, so make sure to check the expiration date before using it. If you're unsure if it's still good, it's better to be safe and buy a new bottle.
3. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to commonly missed areas. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, back of your neck, and the tops of your feet - these areas are commonly missed but still need protection.
4. Don't use tanning beds. Tanning beds use UV radiation, which can be even more harmful than the sun. If you want a tan, consider using a self-tanner instead.
5. Don't assume that you're safe on cloudy days. Even on cloudy days, the sun's harmful rays can still reach your skin. Make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing, even when it's cloudy.