8 Common Sunscreen Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

8 Common Sunscreen Mistakes Dermatologists Want You to Stop Making

1. You're Not Applying Enough Sunscreen

Ever get burned even though you already applied sunscreen? You might not have applied enough. “Most people apply about a quarter to a half of the sunscreen needed for labeled SPF protection,” says Dr. Shokeen. “Your face needs roughly a nickel-sized amount, and body coverage needs about a full shot glass,” she adds. “Under-application doesn’t give you SPF 30 at half the dose—it gives you something closer to SPF 8-10.”

2. You're Not Reapplying Sunscreen Often Enough

Okay, we’re definitely guilty of this one, especially on long beach days that include sweating and swimming. What you might not know, however, is that your sunscreen becomes less effective with those activities—meaning your protection from those harmful UV rays is compromised, too. “SPF is a lab measurement of unbroken film thickness,” explains Dr. Shokeen. “Sweat, water, friction from clothing, and UV degradation of the [sunscreen’s] active ingredients all break that film down within two hours.” Make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating. 

We like keeping a water-resistant sunscreen in our bag to make touch-ups super easy. “A ‘water-resistant’ label means it holds for 40 or 80 minutes of submersion, not all day,” says Dr. Shokeen. “Reapply, reapply, reapply!”

3. You're Relying on Makeup With SPF Alone

SPF-infused makeup is one of our summer holy grail, but it shouldn’t be your only line of defense against those UV rays. Think of a foundation with SPF as bonus sun protection—not your primary sunscreen. Most people don’t apply enough makeup to achieve the SPF level listed on the packaging, says Dr. Shokeen. Try using a dedicated sunscreen underneath your makeup rather than relying on just your makeup for sun protection. We like the BY THE BEACH Melon Daze SPF30 Face & Body Cream since its creamy consistency doubles as a hydrating primer. 

4. You're Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy Days

Don’t let the weather fool you! Just because the sun isn’t out doesn’t mean those UV rays aren't gone. “Check the UV index daily—not just the temperature,” says Dr. Shokeen. “A cool, overcast 65°F day can still carry a high UV index.” Since UV rays can penetrate through the clouds, sun damage can happen on a cloudy or rainy day too. That’s why daily sunscreen application is a healthy habit to have: It stops UV exposure from building up over time. Dr. Shokeen also recommends seeking shade specifically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the UV index peaks.

5. You're Using Expired Sunscreen

Getting rid of expired sunscreen might be a little less heartbreaking than throwing away that expired eyeshadow palette, but it’s just as important. Over time, expired sunscreen loses stability and effectiveness, so you may not be getting the same SPF protection as listed on the packaging. Even heat exposure can degrade the active ingredients in sunscreen, so try to limit leaving yours in a parked car or beach bag sitting in direct sunlight

6. You're Forgetting Extra Sun Protection

Sun protection doesn’t just stop with sunscreen—hats and UPF clothing are great options too! “Wide-brim hats and UV-blocking sunglasses cover the areas people undertreat,” says Dr. Shokeen. Meanwhile, wearing UPF clothing for extended outdoor time is “more reliable than sunscreen because it doesn’t degrade or wear off,” she adds. Consider supporting your sun protection efforts with these sun-smart accessories.

7. You're Applying Sunscreen Too Late

Most sunscreens take about 15 minutes to fully absorb—chemical formulas especially. That’s why it’s always a good idea to apply sunscreen before stepping outside (and before your first UV exposure of the day). Dr. Shokeen recommends applying sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine. “Use the full amount; don’t rub it in until it disappears,” she says. “A slight white cast or sheen on application is a sign you’ve used enough.”

8. You're Missing Easy-to-Forget Areas

Some spots are definitely easy to forget when you’re applying sunscreen. Your ears, lips, back of the neck, scalp, tops of the feet, and backs of the hands are some of the easiest places to miss, says Dr. Shokeen. These spots are where she frequently sees skin cancers (and signs of premature aging). Don’t forget them! For easy application, Dr. Shokeen recommends keeping an SPF stick or spray on hand, as those areas can be hard to reach with lotion. We like to keep the BEAUTYSTAT C Lip Serum SPF 30 on-hand to keep our lips protected from the sun, too.

The Bottom Line on Sunscreen

When it comes to sunscreen, consistency matters just as much as SPF number. Applying enough, reapplying throughout the day, and remembering easy-to-miss areas all add up to better protection against premature aging and skin cancer. A few small habit changes now can make a big difference for your skin in the long run.