Sunscreen is your skin鈥檚 first line of defense against harmful UV rays, but even those who are diligent about using it can fall into traps that reduce its effectiveness. As temperatures rise and outdoor plans increase, it鈥檚 crucial to understand that applying sunscreen incorrectly or not often enough can actually leave your skin more vulnerable. According to skincare experts and brand founders, most of us are unknowingly making simple yet damaging mistakes in our sunscreen routine.
1. Not Reapplying Often Enough
One of the most common sunscreen errors is treating it as a one-and-done product.
鈥淢any people apply sunscreen once in the morning and assume they鈥檙e protected all day,鈥 says Nitin Jain, founder, La Pink. 鈥淏ut sunscreen breaks down due to sweat, water, and even exposure to sunlight itself. You need to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, for continuous protection.鈥
2. Assuming It鈥檚 Only for Sunny Days
The idea that sunscreen is only necessary on bright, sunny days is outdated.
鈥淯V rays can penetrate through clouds and even windows,鈥 explains Shaonie Maitrra, Co-Founder of UNTAM3D. 鈥淪o whether it鈥檚 cloudy or you鈥檙e working indoors, sunscreen is still essential.鈥 In fact, indirect sun exposure鈥攍ike sitting near a window or walking under tree shade鈥攕till contributes to long-term skin damage.
3. Underestimating Blue Light Damage
鈥淪unscreen today isn鈥檛 just about UV protection,鈥 adds Kasturi Banerjjee, also a Co-Founder of UNTAM3D. 鈥淲e鈥檙e constantly exposed to blue light from screens, which can cause pigmentation and oxidative stress.鈥 Choosing sunscreens that offer protection from UVA, UVB, blue light, and even pollution is crucial in the digital age.
4. Relying Solely on Makeup with SPF
Many people believe that a foundation or moisturizer with SPF is enough. Not quite.
鈥淪PF in makeup is not applied thickly or evenly enough to offer real protection,鈥 explain Banerjjee and Maitrra. Instead, it should be layered on top of a base layer of a proper sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection.
5. Using Too Little Product
Quantity matters.
鈥淎n adult needs about one ounce of sunscreen鈥攔oughly a shot glass full鈥攖o cover their entire body,鈥 says Jain. 鈥淢ost people apply much less, which significantly lowers the level of protection.鈥 Skimping on sunscreen is essentially like not using it at all.
6. Missing Key Areas
Certain areas like the ears, neck, lips, scalp, and feet are frequently overlooked. Jain advises using lip balm with SPF and even sunscreen sprays for hard-to-reach areas. 鈥淭hese areas burn just as easily and need equal attention.鈥
7. Using Expired Products
Always check the expiration date.
Sunscreens lose their effectiveness over time, and using expired products can lead to unexpected sunburns. Look for sunscreens that also include skin-repairing ingredients like aloe vera and ceramides to soothe and hydrate.
Avoiding these common sunscreen mistakes is the key to enjoying a burn-free, healthy summer. As Banerjjee notes, 鈥淵our sunscreen should be as versatile as your lifestyle鈥攑rotecting you from sun, pollution, blue light, and beyond.鈥 Make sunscreen a daily habit, apply it correctly, and reapply often. Your skin will thank you鈥攆or years to come.