You possibly can’t simply slather your self with sunscreen within the morning, head out for an extended day on the seaside and count on to come back dwelling sunburn-free. If you happen to do take this method, you will in all probability find yourself with pores and skin that is painfully roasted — to not point out the intense circumstances, like pores and skin most cancers, you will have put your self in danger for. Avoiding these dangers, nonetheless, is simple. All you need to do is listen and reapply your sunscreen all through the day. The problem is in figuring out how usually to do it.
There are literally fairly a number of components it’s worthwhile to take into accounts when planning your sunscreen protection, together with the sunscreen’s solar safety issue (SPF), the time of day you will be out within the solar and the sort of exercise you’ve gotten deliberate. SPF numbers specifically — which you’ll be able to’t miss on the entrance of sunscreen bottles — may help present a primary estimate for a way usually it’s best to reapply your sunscreen. This is the way it works: In case you are utilizing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, and it normally takes you quarter-hour to get a sunburn, all you need to do is multiply the 2 numbers collectively to determine about how lengthy your sunscreen ought to final [source: WebMD]. On this case, it might be 225 minutes, or 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Whereas that appears straightforward sufficient, the system would not essentially maintain true once you’re coping with SPF numbers which might be greater than 30. And, sadly, there are quite a few different components — together with humidity, sweating and get in touch with with water — that may change that quantity by reducing the general effectiveness of sunscreen [source: Mayo Clinic]. So for those who’re planning on going swimming or doing another kind of strenuous exercise, you will must reapply usually on your sunblock to be of a lot use.
One other factor that influences the facility of sunscreen once you’re exterior is the time of day. Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., UV rays are stronger, even on cloudy days. Most consultants suggest you attempt to keep away from the outside all collectively throughout these occasions. However for those who completely should be exterior, reapply your sunscreen as usually as you’ll be able to — each couple of hours, and even each hour, if potential [source: Mayo Clinic].
Learn on to get heaps extra info on sunscreen and why it is so vital to guard your self once you’re outside.