The Skincare Mistakes That Make Your Sunscreen Less Effective

Rain or shine, a broad-spectrum sunscreen for skin is non-negotiable daily. This formula sits on the dermis, shielding your skin against harmful UV radiation. Results? Fewer episodes of burns, tanning, pigmentation, and even premature aging.   

If you’re still grappling with sun damage despite a formidable SPF in your arsenal – it's time to take a few steps back and reassess the situation. From using too little sunscreen to skimping on reapplication, several mistakes with your SPF can hurt sun protection. Scroll ahead to learn more. 

Common Skincare Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Sun Protection  

Even the most potent sunscreen will miss the mark if your application technique isn’t right. On that note, here are the common sunscreen mistakes to avoid at all costs -

1. Not using enough sunscreen: To ensure infallible sun protection, apply at least two fingers' worth of SPF daily. Applying too little of the formula makes your skin more susceptible to damage like burns, tanning, and more.

2. Applying only once a day: One of the most rookie mistakes – not reapplying your sunscreen. Factors like sweat, water, and even rubbing the skin break down your SPF making it ineffective. So, if you plan on staying outdoors, we recommend reapplying every 2 hours.

3. Skipping sunscreen on a cloudy or rainy day: Unfortunately, UV rays easily percolate bands of clouds to wreak havoc on the skin. Therefore, slathering a generous amount of sunscreen is crucial even on an overcast day.

4. Using sunscreen with ineffective or expired ingredients: Is your sunscreen way past its expiration date? If yes, grab a new stick and avoid compromise on your skin’s protection.

5. Not applying sunscreen on smaller areas: Harmful UV rays spare nothing, no exceptions. So, be diligent and apply sunscreen on your earlobes, neck, and limbs.

6. Assuming dusky skin doesn’t need sunscreen: This is the biggest sunscreen myth. Sure, people with deeper skin tones have some natural protection from UV rays due to surplus melanin in the skin cells. But that isn’t enough to keep damage at bay.  

Skincare Routine Mistakes That Can Make Sunscreen Less Effective  

Apart from the above, here are some routine-related mistakes that reduce your sunscreen’s efficacy -

1. Not allowing your sunscreen to absorb completely: Experts suggest applying your SPF almost 15 to 20 minutes before stepping outdoors. This allows the sunscreen to seep into the skin and get activated for maximum protection.

2. Using oil-based products right before sunscreen: Using an oil-based serum or moisturizer prior, mixes with your sunscreen, making it thin and negatively impacting its efficacy. Additionally, it creates a barrier on the dermis preventing your sunscreen ingredients from seeping into the skin.

3. Using sunscreen as your only form of sun protection: There is nothing like too much sun protection. Apart from applying your SPF 50 sunscreen, use hats, broad-brimmed caps, and sunglasses to evade burns, pigmentation, and dreadful tanning. 

How To Correct These Skincare Mistakes For Better Sunscreen Effectiveness  

If you have been making one (or more) of the above sunscreen mistakes, fret not. Double down on efforts for sun protection by adhering to the following-

1. Choose the right sunscreen for your skin type: Not all sunscreens are created equal. To keep the fear of sun damage at bay while upholding overall skin health, you must pick the right SPF. Case in point, if you have oily skin, look for a matte sunscreen with ingredients like Niacinamide. Alternatively, people who grapple with roughness or flakiness should opt for a dewy Sunscreen with humectants like Hyaluronic Acid or D-Panthenol.

2. Applying the sunscreen as the last step in your routine: Since SPF diverts/absorbs detrimental UV rays to prevent tanning, burns, and pigmentation – you must apply it at the end of the routine. Dispense your formula along the length of your index and middle fingers and massage it on your face. Do so after thoroughly cleansing, treating, and moisturizing for best results.

Conclusion  

Your skin needs a broad-spectrum SPF year-round. However, even the most potent of sunscreens will falter if you are making the following mistakes. That’s right. Applying too little sunscreen, skimping on reapplication, using ineffective formulas and more can harm your sun protection. 

FAQs 

The following factors can reduce the effectiveness of sunscreens

Applying too little sunscreen

Using expired products or ineffective ingredients

Not covering your earlobes, neck, and limbs

Slathering it to close to stepping outdoors

2. Does moisturizer make your sunscreen ineffective? 

No, the right moisturizer for your skin type won’t make sunscreen ineffective.

3. Does Vitamin C make sunscreen more effective? 

Yes, layering a Vitamin C Serum with your Glow sunscreen enhances the latter’s efficacy.

4. Which SPF is best for your skin? 

According to experts, Indian skin requires at least SPF 30 for infallible sun protection.