3 ways to apply sunscreen

Sunscreen helps protect against skin-damaging UV rays, but it's only effective if you apply it the right way—and at the right time. 

Read on to learn common mistakes people make when applying sunscreen, and how to avoid them.

Don't wait until you're outside to apply sunscreen

How many people have you seen get to the beach, spread out their blankets, strip down to their swimsuits, and then start slathering away? You actually want to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes prior to exposure, That way, it has time to get absorbed and start working—and so 

you don't get UV exposure for those first few minutes when your skin is vulnerable.

Make sure you protect your lips

Just like the rest of your skin, lips are vulnerable to UV rays, so it's extremely important to use sunscreen on your mouth . But don't use the same stuff you use on the rest of your body—it tastes weird and won't last that long on your lips anyway. So try a lip balm with SPF, which is thicker so it stays on longer. Then reapply even more frequently than you do body sunscreen, since talking, eating, and drinking removes the sunscreen on your lips faster.

Do not use a body formula on your face

It's not just a marketing gimmick: There is a difference between face- and body-specific sunscreens. Facial skin is generally more sensitive to irritation than body skin, so face formulations have been tested to cause less irritation and not trigger acne. If you're acne-prone or sensitive, avoid the body versions for your face, especially the dry-touch sprays—they're absolutely full of alcohol, which is very drying and irritating for facial skin.

Resource and Image Credit: Health.com