8 Sunscreen Mistakes That Could Be Damaging Your Skin, Dermatologists Warn

Using Too Little Sunscreen

A thin layer just isn't going to cut it. According to dermatologist James M. Kilgour, the biggest and most common mistake he sees is people not using enough sunscreen.

Kilgour recommends using about one teaspoon for the head and neck in order to adequately cover the skin and get the level of sun protection specified on the bottle’s label. For your entire body, an ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) of sunscreen is typically required.

Missing Key Areas

There are a number of easy-to-forget spots that often get overlooked when applying sunscreen, says Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, chief of dermatologic surgery and cutaneous oncology at Yale School of Medicine.

It's unfortunately common to skip over ears, lips, hairline, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet when applying sunscreen, only to find these areas burned later. Suozzi recommends applying sunscreen methodically and paying special attention to these spots. 

Not Wearing a Daily Facial Sunscreen

You know all of those skin-soothing and smoothing serums in your medicine cabinet? According to Kilgour, none of them are worth anything if you are not wearing a daily facial sunscreen. Beyond its crucial role in preventing skin cancer, sunscreen is essential for preventing premature aging of the skin. 

“Find a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or greater that suits your skin and is comfortable and works with your makeup and stick to it,” advises Kilgour. “Make sure that the sunscreen is the final step in your morning skin-care regimen before you apply makeup.”

Using Expired Sunscreen

It can be challenging to use up our sunscreen before the expiration date on the label. After all, these bottles contain quite a bit of product. But sunscreen loses its efficacy over time, so it’s important to keep an eye on that date to ensure you get consistent, effective coverage.

Souzzi says to always check the expiration date before using and to replace any products that are past their shelf life or have changed in color, consistency, or smell.

Relying on Makeup or Moisturizers with SPF

As it turns out, the SPF in your favorite foundation isn't enough to properly protect your skin. “Makeup with SPF is a bonus,” says Griffin, “but it’s not enough on its own.”

Try opting for a tinted mineral sunscreen, which is light enough to layer but can also double as a foundation, and "always layer a broad-spectrum sunscreen underneath makeup,” says Souzzi.

Not Reapplying Often Enough

Unfortunately, sunscreen isn't a "one-and-done" type of operation. According to Griffin, sunscreen wears off throughout the day, so she recommends reapplying your sunscreen every two hours to ensure that you are always protected.

If you're swimming or sweating excessively, you'll want to up that frequency, "even if the sunscreen is labeled water-resistant," adds Suozzi.

Applying Sunscreen Too Late

How many times have you arrived at the pool or the beach, only to realize that you have not yet applied your sunscreen? (The same applies to running errands or gardening.) Next time, avoid the mad scramble for your sunscreen under the blazing sun by applying it before you leave the house. 

"Sunscreen needs about 15 minutes to start working, so it’s best to apply before heading out," Suozzi explains. Skipping this critical step and applying sunscreen too late can make your skin extra vulnerable to the sun’s hazardous UV rays.

Thinking You Don't Need It Every (Single) Day

On a cloudy day or in the dead of winter, you might look out the window and think it's fine to skip the sunscreen. Not so, according to Griffin. "UVA rays penetrate through clouds and windows, so you’re still getting exposure," she says, making sunscreen necessary all year and even when indoors.