This weekend marks the hottest weather Ireland has seen so far this year, so it's important to remember to protect yourself from the sun and put on sunscreen.
Sunscreen is essential in the fight against skin cancer, and it must be appropriately applied to do its job of protecting you from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Experts advise people to seek shade in the sun, wear protective clothing and apply water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Sunscreen wears off after approximately two hours, so reapplying throughout the day is essential. However, many people don’t do this.
Here are the top 5 mistakes people make when applying sunscreen:
1. Not reading the label
There are many different types of sunscreens, but experts recommend only using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Sunscreens should also be broad-spectrum and water-resistant to get the best protection.
2. Not using enough
To fully cover their body with sunscreen, adults should use about an ounce of sunscreen or enough to fill a shot glass.
You should apply sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outside and reapply once every two hours.
3. Only applying when it's sunny
Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the suns UV rays can penetrate your skin.
To protect the skin, you should be wearing sunscreen any time you are outside.
4. Expired bottles
Sunscreen goes out of date after approximately three years, so it is important to know when you bought your sunscreen, and if you are unsure, throw it out and buy a new one.
5. Only using sunscreen
No sunscreen can block out 100% of UV rays, so it's essential to use other methods.
For more sun protection, wear lightweight clothes that cover the skin, seek shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
