As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, ensuring adequate sun protection becomes crucial for maintaining healthy skin. To help individuals identify common mistakes in sun protection, an expert from Which? has shared valuable tips to keep in mind before venturing out into the sun.
Neal, a senior scientific advisor at Which?, pointed out a common error people make while sunbathing without even realising it. The mistake lies in where you store your sunscreen after application. In a recent TikTok video, Neal advised: “I’d also keep it in the shade when you’re out in the sun as high temperatures can decrease its shelf life.”
This is because high temperatures can cause the sunscreen’s active ingredients to degrade faster, reports SurreyLive.
Sunscreen formulas contain active ingredients, such as UV filters, designed to absorb or reflect harmful UV rays. However, these ingredients can break down or become less effective when exposed to high temperatures.
Neal also emphasised the importance of checking the product’s expiry date. All products have a small tub symbol indicating how long they last after opening.
For example, ’12 M’ means 12 months. It’s essential to always check the bottle.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your sunscreen remains effective in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Neal also recommended not solely relying on sun cream for protection.
Wearing appropriate clothing and a hat can shield areas that sun cream may miss. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.
If you’re swimming or perspiring heavily, sunscreen should be reapplied more frequently. Neal further suggested using a product with an SPF of 30 or higher.
