Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Europe, no matter where you are, you will feel the scorching sun recently, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees almost every day. Besides worrying about heatstroke, I believe you dare not go out without sunscreen. Have you noticed that even if you apply sunscreen before going out, your skin not only darkens but also develops more obvious spots? In fact, sunscreen is only a temporary protective layer. If your sunscreen concept and habits are wrong, even the most effective sunscreen products cannot work effectively.
“Invalid sun protection” behavior one: wearing a hat or mask without sun protection.
In the post-pandemic era, everyone is already used to wearing masks every day when going out, thinking that the mask has covered most of the face and does not need sun protection? This is definitely a misconception. Although it is known that ultraviolet rays have penetrating power, even if you are using a three-layer protective mask, it does not mean that the mask has UV protection. The same goes for wearing a hat. Although the brim provides shade, UV rays can still directly contact the skin, so basic protection with long-wave UVA sunscreen products is necessary.
“Invalid sun protection” behavior 2: Sun protection only before going out
It has been said that even products with high sun protection factor (SPF) have a limited effect in blocking UVA and UVB rays. Both dermatologists and skincare product development teams emphasize the importance of regularly reapplying sunscreen, rather than just applying it before going out. In the summer, sweating and oil production can diminish the effectiveness of sunscreen within just one to two hours of application. It is recommended to reapply every two hours, with even more frequent reapplication when engaging in outdoor or water activities.
Behavior Three of “Invalid Sunscreen”: Buddha-style Sunscreen Application
Sunscreen is a protective film for the skin. This layer of protection must be applied evenly and with a sufficient amount to truly be effective. Unfortunately, many people tend to reduce the amount of sunscreen they use due to the sticky feeling, thinking that a thin layer is better than no sunscreen at all. When applying sunscreen, the amount must be enough to cover every inch of the face or body. Apply in one direction, not in circular motions or back and forth, to reduce the problem of flaking and clumping.
