We all know how important it is to use sunscreen – yet we all could apply it more reliably than we do. You might have heard of some of these tips, but your knowledge in taking care of yourself and protecting your skin against cancer is worth a periodical review.

Here’s what experts have to say about the practice of applying sunscreen.

1. You might not apply enough. Depending on your body size, the recommended amount is enough lotion to fill a shot glass. When they go to the beach, people are smart enough to apply sunscreen, but the problem is that they might not use enough.
2. Even if the lotion you’re using is supposed to be waterproof, beachgoers – or pool lovers – should reapply after each swimming. If you’re at the beach only for the tan, the protection should be reapplied every two hours, regardless of the SPF count.
3. This might be a less-known fact, but for the sunscreen to be efficient, it must be applied 15 minutes before exposure. And don’t forget to cover the tops of your ears and the tops of the feet – which are the most frequent spots people forget about.
4. While spray-on sunscreens are still a mystery even for the US Food and Drug Administration in terms of how safe or effective they are, some medical professionals suggest they are better than applying nothing.

To stay on the safe side of things, spray-on sunscreen should be applied indoors in a well-ventilated area, and never directly on the face. If you’re going to apply it on the beach, the wind might make it fly away, leaving you inadequately protected.

5. It’s 2016; you’re most likely taking your smartphone to the beach, so why not rely on it to remind you that it’s time to reapply? A quick search on both Apple Store and Play Store will reveal hundreds of free and inexpensive apps that could alert you when you need it.
6. If you’re not convinced about the health benefits of using sunscreen more reliably, then consider this: applying sunscreen every day (during summer) — not just when you’re at the beach or the park — can prevent the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots.

Sunscreen is the No. 1 anti-aging ingredient, so why not use it properly?
Image Source: MNN