The Seven Sunscreen Sins – The Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making

The sun is out and we've all stripped off to enjoy ourselves, it's inherently Irish. 

We don't get to see the sun a lot so when we do we get a little bit excited, ourselves included. Skin protection from the sun should always be the number one priority, and it is for most of us. 

But what about the sunscreen sins you're unknowingly making?

We have them here... 

1. Not Wearing Any Sunscreen, Fullstop.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers in Ireland and more than 8,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. That averages out at 22 people everyday. If that's not reason enough to slather yourself in some factor, we don't know what is.

2. Your Sunscreen Is Out Of Date

You might have the best intentions and you could be the most vigilant person applying sunscreen on the beach, but if the sunscreen is out of date the protection won't be as effective. The active ingredients in sunscreen can deteriorate over time and an open bottle can easily become contaminated with germs too.

3. You Apply It Economically

If in doubt, put on more. Many of us don't use enough, meaning the sunscreen can't do its job properly. The general rule is to evenly cover your skin and massage it in.

Make sure your sunscreen hasn't passed its expiration date. 

4. You Think Once Is Enough

A sunscreen application should last about two hours maximum in the sun. Sweating and swimming, as well as the skin "using up" the active ingredient in the lotion means your sun protection can wear off fast. Reapply at elats every two hours, more if you're in and out of the water.

5. You Think Sunscreen Is Enough

Just because you've covered yourself (literally) doesn't mean you can sit out and bake for the rest of the day. Stay in the shade between the sun's most intense hours (generally between 12 and three) and make sure you wear a hat and sunglasses for extra protection.

Avoid direct sunlight at its strongest hours. 

6. You Count Your Make-Up's SPF For Your Face

It sounds handy, and can have an effect on Ireland's usual cloudy days, but it is nowhere near enough if you are out and about in the sun. Makeup wears off during the day, you're not reapplying it like you would with sunscreen and sometimes the SPF isn't high enough for your facial skin.

7. You Count On Sunscreen In The Water

No sunscreen is 100 per cent waterproof. They can be "water resistant" for up to an hour or two, but that's where it stops. The minute you're out the water-reapply. If you're in the water for a long period of time, get out and reapply before heading back in.

For more sunscreen tips check out the Irish Cancer Society website.