If you lead an active life that takes you outdoors rather a lot, then sport sunscreen should be something you also keep close by. However, it’s not always as simple as that, as you’ll find out by reading this article. While sunscreen is a great start, there are a number of things you can do to complement the product and keep your skin safe.
The great outdoors is there to be enjoyed, and the little things can ensure you finish each day with lots of satisfaction and no sunburn misery. So, let’s jump in and see what advice we have, shall we?
Tips On Using Your Sport Sunscreen
If you want your sunscreen to do the job you paid for, then there are certain rules that need to be followed. These rules are non-negotiable and are the only thing that stands between you and sore skin that may end up looking old before it should.
Tip #1 – Use the Correct Amount of Sunscreen
A mistake that many people make when using sunscreen is failing to put enough on. Generally speaking, a regular chemical sunscreen will need about a shot glass full to cover your entire body – which is equivalent to 1.5 ounces. Also be sure to cover commonly-missed areas of the body like the tops of your feet, eyelids, ears and scalp – especially if you’re thinning on top!
Tip #2 – Make Sure You Buy a Broad-Spectrum Product
Another common error is buying sport sunscreen that only protects you against some of the sun’s rays. Regular sunscreen will protect you against UVB rays but do nothing to safeguard against UVA rays. That means you’re left totally exposed to rays that can still age your skin and lead to cancer. It’s why you should never settle for anything that gives you less protection than this.
Tip #3 – Don’t Go Into the Sun For 30 Minutes After Application
While this bit of advice doesn’t apply to mineral-based sunscreen, chemical brands require that you stay out of the sun’s rays for up to 30 minutes after lathering it on. That’s because it needs time to be absorbed before it can support your skin in the way it should, so be sure to plan ahead whenever you’re going out to account for this very necessary job.
Tip #4 – Reapply After Sweating
Something else you need to be aware of is that sweat and water are the arch nemeses of sunscreen, largely because it tends to wash off rather easily. Unless you go for a water-resistant product, you’ll need to reapply the moment you come out of the water or you’ve been sweating profusely. That said, even when you are wearing water-resistant sunscreen, you’ll still only get a maximum of 40-80 minutes.
Ensuring Your Sport Sunscreen Does Its Job Well
A common misconception amongst the sunscreen-wearing public is that simply applying sunscreen once before you go out is plenty – no matter how long you’re out in the sun. That’s just not true, as you’ll find by doing even just a little research. Follow the rules we’ve mentioned here, however, and there’s no reason your outdoor time will be anything other than great fun.
