How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen?
| You probably already know about the importance of sunscreen. Doctors keep reminding us of the necessity of it before going outside to prevent harmful UV rays from penetrating our skin. But how often do we need to reapply sunscreen? A single application of sunscreen is only effective for a couple of hours in the sun. And, if you are spending more time outdoors, the sun protective cream must be reapplied. Let’s look into it a little more. |
Contents
The importance of sunscreen
As we were saying, the dangers of sun exposure are well known and it would be foolish to ignore them.
Applying sunscreen every time we head outside has numerous benefits.
Sunscreen helps to lessen your risk of skin cancer
Being exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can over time damage the skin cell’s DNA and in turn cause cancer.
Even getting a couple of sunburns can dramatically elevate your risk of a number of skin cancers.
Skin cancer, in particular the dangerous melanoma type, can grow deep down through all the levels of the skin. It can even expand further and spread into our blood vessels and the lymphatic system. This way cancer cells can then travel beyond the spot on the skin and into other parts of the body with devastating consequences.
This is why prevention is key and why skin cancer screening is crucial in order to catch it at an early stage. While less frequently, other non-melanoma skin cancers can also spread and become invasive / malignant.
By using a simple of rule of applying sunscreen to all exposed skin every day, irrespective of the weather outside, will reduce our risk of developing skin cancer.
The most common of all cancers, skin cancer affects 1 in 5 Americans and 2 out of 3 Australians! So to keep melanoma and other types of skin cancers away, put on the sunscreen.
And this is not all of the benefits.
Important for the whole family
The advice does not apply only to adults as kids are also affected by the negative aspects of time in the sun.
Set a good example for them.
It will keep your skin beautiful and youthful
Simple. UV light causes premature skin ageing.
Prevent the nasty exposure and skin stays younger for longer, with less wrinkles. It will also prevent sun associated skin spots.
It applies to everyone
Even if you have the kind of skin that does not easily burn, it does not mean that you are immune from the negative aspects of the UV ray exposure so get the sunscreen on.
It is easy
It has never been easier to find a brand of sunscreen that works for you with numerous options including those mixed in with moisturising creams that are not greasy, easy to apply and nicely fragranced.
You can still tan
You may still get a tan as sunscreens do not block the sun completely, but you will be saved from ending up with a sunburn.
Ok, sunscreen is important, I get it. But how often do I need to reapply when outside?
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
According to skin specialists and dermatologists, sunscreen loses its effect after about 2 hours. This is especially true if you are continuously exposed to the sun rays like on a beach or in the playground.
Even if you are out and about on a cloudy day your skin will be exposed to UV rays. Therefore, you must apply (and reapply) sunscreen irrespective of the intensity of the sun.
In fact, the first application of sunscreen in the day should become a part of your daily ritual.
Additionally, if you know that you will be spending time swimming in an outdoor pool or at the beach, do not forget to reapply the sunscreen immediately after the swim. Getting a water resistant sunscreen can help but definitely not replace the application post each water exposure.
So if you are going on a hike or know that you will be spending your time outdoors, remember to take a decent size bottle of sunscreen and repeat the application every 2 hours to minimise the damage to your skin.
Proper (re)application
We are naturally tuned to apply day creams only to a set portion of our face and neck.
While it is essential to remember to apply as well as reapply the sunscreen to your face, it is equally important to pay attention to other exposed regions.
These include the neck, ears, hairline, tops of your feet, lips or any other part of your skin that is bound to receive direct exposure during your time outdoors.
Sunscreen is a bit like when you use toothpaste. You need to use the right one and the right amount or it just won’t work. Use sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Having said this, it is important to not assume that if you use a higher SPF, it gives you a huge advantage. The difference between eg SPF 30 and 50+ is not that much and is not based on multiples. So both need to be applied in good amounts and frequently. Also, ensure your sunscreen provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Apply a good layer of a trusted high SPF sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin. Apply it evenly. We recommend putting the screen directly onto skin then spreading rather than putting it on your hands first.
Apply your sunscreen about 30 minutes before you go outside in the sun. This helps it absorb into the skin and work better.
It is never too late to start taking sun safety seriously by meticulous sunscreen application and re-application, wearing a protective hat and clothing, good sunglasses and by reducing your overall sun exposure and exposure to the sun it its strongest, between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon.
Look after your skin and get it checked
We recommend getting your skin checked head to toe by a specialised doctor, dermatologist or skin cancer clinic at least yearly. And even more frequently if you have had a previous skin cancer, risk factors or notice any change in your skin or a spot.
In addition, you should keep an eye on your skin and that of your family members regularly in order to notice any changes early.
Final Thoughts
While exposure to the outdoors is good for a healthy body, prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays without appropriate skin protection can lead to many problems. And may even cause cancer over a period of time.
A major part of proper sunscreen use includes reapplication every 2 hours and after sweating or swimming. Combining sunscreen reapplication etiquette with proper clothing and shade can help you enjoy the sunshine in a healthy manner.
How often do you apply sunscreen? Let us know your tips on being sun smart below.
References
1.“Skin Cancer Incidence Rates”, American Academy of Dermatology Association, accessed September 2020, available here
2. “Sunscreen FAQs – Tips and facts about sunscreens“, Skin Cancer Council, accessed September 2020, available here
3. “Skin cancer in Australia“, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, accessed September 2020, available here
Picture courtesy –
Images by chezbeate, accessed from Pixabay in August 2020
The text written in this article on frequency of sunscreen application is meant for general informational purposes only. It is not to be used in any way as medical advice. Refer to your dermatologist or doctor for all skin care advice. If you have any skin spots, symptoms or concerns, consult a doctor early. It can save your life. Ensure you agree with the terms of howoftenshould.com prior to use.
