[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/07\/5-common-sunscreen-and-sun-protection-mistakes\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/07\/5-common-sunscreen-and-sun-protection-mistakes\/","headline":"Common Sunscreen Mistakes to Avoid This Summer","name":"Common Sunscreen Mistakes to Avoid This Summer","description":"It's important to protect yourself from the sun. By knowing common mistakes people make in the sun, you can help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.","datePublished":"2015-07-29","dateModified":"2026-07-31","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","name":"Dermatology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/dermatology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/sunscreen.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/sunscreen.jpg","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/07\/5-common-sunscreen-and-sun-protection-mistakes\/","about":["Skin Care"],"wordCount":1056,"keywords":["Melanoma","skin cancer","sunscreen","sunscreen mistakes"],"articleBody":"Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term health. UV (ultraviolet) rays can damage your skin, and exposure adds up.Most people know to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and cover up. Even so, small, everyday mistakes can affect how well those habits actually protect you.10 Common Sunscreen MistakesMistake 1: Visiting a tanning salon to prevent burningThe idea of getting a \u201cbase tan\u201d is a myth. A tan is skin damage, not protection.Indoor tanning exposes your skin to intense UV radiation, often stronger than natural sunlight. This is a known cause that increases your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.Avoiding indoor tanning is just one way to reduce unnecessary UV exposure. Also refrain from:Repeated tanning before vacations.Skipping sunscreen.Mistake 2: Applying sunscreen after you\u2019re already in the sunSunscreen works best when it\u2019s applied 15 minutes before sun exposure, according to The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Waiting until you\u2019re already outside means your skin may begin absorbing UV rays right away. To get the most from your sunscreen, make sure you:Apply sunscreen before going outside.Cover all exposed skin.Include areas like your ears and neck.Mistake 3: Not reapplying sunscreen often enoughSunscreen wears off with time, sweat, and movement. Even water\u2011resistant formulas lose effectiveness after swimming or heavy sweating. To stay protected, plan to reapply every two hours and after:Sweating.Swimming.Towel drying.Mistake 4: Not using enough sunscreenMost people don\u2019t apply enough sunscreen to get the full SPF listed on the label. This results in using only about a quarter to half of the recommended amount. Under\u2011application dramatically reduces protection.Always use more sunscreen than you think you need:1 teaspoon for face and neck.1 ounce (a shot\u2011glass amount) for remainder of exposed areas on body.Mistake 5: Not using sunscreen with the correct SPFThe sun protection factor (SPF) measures how well sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn. For protection against both UVB and UVA rays, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen.Using a sunscreen with an SPF that’s too low or not broad-spectrum may leave your skin more exposed than you realize. When choosing a sunscreen, look for:A formula you\u2019ll use consistently.Broad-spectrum protection.SPF 30 or higher.Mistake 6: Missing important areas on the bodyEven when you apply sunscreen carefully, it\u2019s easy to overlook certain areas. Repeated exposure in these areas causes sunburn and long-term skin damage. During application, be sure not to miss:Ears.Hairline or scalp.Lips.Neck (front and back).Sides of the face.Tops of the feet.Mistake 7: Only using sunscreen on sunny daysSun protection isn’t just for bright, hot days. UV rays pass through clouds and windows, and sun damage happens while driving, sitting near a window, or walking outside \u2014 even briefly.In addition, UV exposure increases when sunlight reflects off surfaces like water, sand, snow, and concrete. To protect your skin year-round in any environment:Apply sunscreen daily.Reapply during extended outdoor time.Use protection even on cloudy days.Mistake 8: Relying on sunscreen aloneSunscreen is an important layer of protection, but it works best when combined with other methods. Relying solely on sunscreen can leave gaps, especially during long periods spent outdoors. Strengthen your sun protection by:Choosing protective clothing when possible.Seeking shade during peak sun hours.Wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection.Mistake 9: Using expired or improperly stored sunscreenMost sunscreens last about three years if unopened. But they can break down over time, especially when exposed to heat or direct sunlight. To ensure your sunscreen is still effective:Check the expiration date.Never leave sunscreen in your beach bag or car.Replace sunscreen that smells or looks different.Store it in a cool, dry place.Mistake 10: Choosing the wrong sunscreen for your skin or lifestyleThe best sunscreen is the one you\u2019ll use every day. If a product feels heavy, irritating, or difficult to apply, it\u2019s much harder to stay consistent.Your skin type and daily routine both play a role in finding the right fit. SPF moisturizers can work well for incidental exposure, like running errands, but they don\u2019t offer the same durability or coverage.To find a sunscreen that fits your routine and preferences, consider:Lightweight, non\u2011comedogenic formulas for acne-prone skin.Mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin.Water-resistant options for outdoor activity or sports.What\u2019s the Difference Between Sunscreens?Sun damage comes from UV rays. These rays reach your skin any time you\u2019re outside \u2014 even on cloudy days or during short periods of exposure. There are two main types of UV rays that affect your skin:UVA rays \u2014 Reach deeper layers of the skin and cause early aging, like wrinkles and dark spots.UVB rays \u2014 Affect the outer layer of the skin and cause sunburn.Both types of UV rays can damage skin cells and increase your risk of skin cancer. That\u2019s why broad-spectrum sunscreen \u2014 which protects against both UVA and UVB rays \u2014 is important. Sunscreen differs in how it works on your skin:Chemical sunscreen \u2014 Absorbs into the skin and converts UV rays into heat. These formulas tend to feel lighter and blend more easily.Mineral sunscreen \u2014 Sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays. These formulas are good for sensitive or reactive skin.Signs You\u2019ve Had Too Much SunToo much sun exposure doesn\u2019t always show up right away. It can build and lead to symptoms later in the day.Mild sun exposure may cause redness, warmth, or tight skin. More severe sun exposure can lead to what is often called sun poisoning.If symptoms are severe or don\u2019t improve, contact your health care provider. Watch for these signs of more serious sun exposure:Blistering skin.Fever or chills.Headache.Nausea.Severe redness or swelling.Daily Sun Protection Made SimpleKeep sun protection simple \u2014 what matters most is consistency. Small, everyday habits can make a meaningful difference, such as:Adding hats, shade, and protective clothing.Applying sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside.Covering often-missed areas.Reapplying every two hours, more often if sweating or swimming.Seeking shade during peak sun hours.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on July 29, 2015, and was last reviewed on June 12, 2026."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2015","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"07","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/\/07\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Common Sunscreen Mistakes to Avoid This Summer","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/07\/5-common-sunscreen-and-sun-protection-mistakes\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]