Sunscreen is designed to protect from harmful UV rays, but it also has some unexpected side effects. If you’ve ever had a reaction to sunscreen on your skin, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Whether you have a mild rash or blisters, if it’s happened to you before, then don’t worry – you’re not alone. The truth is that most people who burn from sunscreen put on way too much and don’t apply evenly. Learn how to avoid sunburns and how to use sunscreen properly so that it can actually do its job.
Why Does Sunscreen Burn My Face?
Sunscreens are used to protect your skin from the sun. The UV light from the sun causes damage to the skin, which leads to wrinkles and premature aging of the skin. To prevent this, sunscreens block out UV light. This is by means of a chemical called a sunscreening agent. However, some of these agents can cause irritation or even allergic reactions in the body. This is because they are often made up of chemicals that are toxic for humans (such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone).
How Do I Avoid Sunburns?
- Protect Yourself from the Sun: It is important to protect your skin from the sun as much as possible. You can use sunscreens, hats, and protective clothing.
- Use a Sunscreen: Always use sunscreen when you are out in the sun for long periods of time, no matter how cloudy or sunny it is outside.
- Wear Sunglasses: Sunglasses will help to protect your eyes from UV rays and prevent sunburns on your face or eyes.
- Apply Sunscreen Properly: Make sure that you apply sunscreen in a thin layer that is even with your skin tone so that it can absorb the maximum amount of UV light possible.
- Avoid Spending Time in Direct Sunlight: Spending time in direct sunlight can cause skin damage very quickly so try to avoid being out there as much as possible if possible and cover up with good quality sunscreen if you must be out there for an extended period of time and do not forget to reapply sunscreen regularly.
- Wear a Hat: Wearing a hat can help to protect your skin from the sun by blocking it out. You can also place a wide-brimmed hat over your face if you do not want to wear one on top of your head.
- Apply Sunscreen Before You Go Out: Make sure that you apply sunscreen before you go out for extended periods of time, especially if it is sunny outside. This will allow more time for the sunscreen to absorb into your skin and prevent sunburns and other harmful effects from occurring.
- Reapply After Being in the Sun: It is very important that you reapply sunscreen after being in the sun for an extended period of time because it will take at least 30 minutes for it to be absorbed into your skin so reapplying after that much time has passed can help prevent sunburns and other harmful effects from occurring as well as protect your skin from further damage caused by UV rays.
- Do Not Expose Yourself to the Sun for Long Periods of Time: Spending time in direct sunlight can cause skin damage very quickly so try to avoid being out there as much as possible if possible and cover up with good quality sunscreen if you must be out there for an extended period of time and do not forget to reapply sunscreen regularly.
- Avoid Spending Time in Direct Sunlight: Spending time in direct sunlight can cause skin damage very quickly so try to avoid being out there as much as possible if possible and cover up with good quality sunscreen if you must be out there for an extended period of time and do not forget to reapply sunscreen regularly.
How Do I Use Sunscreen Properly?
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside.
- Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly to the face, neck, hands, and all exposed areas 15 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply at least every 2 hours and/or after swimming or sweating heavily.
- Wet skin increases the risk of sunburns so do not be too eager to get in the water either
(I) or wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face.
(ii) if you are going to be in the water for an extended period of time or
(iii) if you are going to be in the water for an extended period of time at all
because it will take at least 30 minutes for your sunscreen to absorb into your skin so reapplying after that much time has passed can help prevent sunburns and other harmful effects from occurring as well as protect your skin from further damage caused by UV rays
- Use a broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen with UVB protection.
- Always use at least SPF 30 sunscreen with UVA protection.
- If you do not have regular access to sunscreen, then apply sunscreen liberally and evenly 15 minutes before going outside or reapply every 2 hours.
- Put a few drops of water on your finger and test the strength of the sunscreen by rubbing it in a small area on your arm or leg.
- Do Not Expose Yourself to the Sun for Long Periods of Time: Spending time in direct sunlight can cause skin damage very quickly so try to avoid being out there as much as possible if possible and cover up with good quality sunscreen if you must be out there for an extended period of time and do not forget to reapply sunscreen regularly.
- Avoid Spending Time in Direct Sunlight: Spending time in direct sunlight can cause skin damage very quickly so try to avoid being out there as much as possible if possible and cover up with good quality sunscreen if you must be out there for an extended period of time and do not forget to reapply sunscreen regularly.
What Cases Sunburns, Rashes, And Blisters When Using Sunscreen?
1. Waterproof sunscreen absorbs into your skin more slowly than non-waterproof sunscreen so it takes a little longer to absorb into your skin and this can cause you to burn more easily (I) if you are in the water for too long (ii) or if you are swimming in the ocean or lake for an extended period of time (iii) because it will take at least 30 minutes for your sunscreen to absorb into your skin so reapplying after that much time has passed can help prevent sunburns and other harmful effects from occurring as well as protect your skin from further damage caused by UV rays.
2. Wet skin increases the risk of sunburns so do not be too eager to get in the water either (I) or wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face (ii) if you are going to be in the water for an extended period of time or (iii) if you are going to be in the water for an extended period of time at all.
3. If you are going to be in the water for an extended period of time and do not want to deal with sunscreen rashes and burns then apply waterproof sunscreen across your face, neck, and shoulders before going into the water.
4. If you are in or near the ocean or lake then wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face that is water-resistant if possible and reapply sunscreen frequently so that you do not burn or get sunburnt while in the water.
5. There is no such thing as “SPF 100” so make sure that whatever SPF you choose is at least 15% or higher, and ideally a minimum of 30% or higher.
Conclusion
It’s best to use sunscreen before heading out into the sun and reapply it throughout the day if you are sweating a lot. There are many different types of sunscreens, so use whatever type is most effective for you.