The 15 Sunscreen Mistakes You're Making

These skin care tips will show you how not to be a repeat offender of sunscreen slip-ups

  • Previous
  • 8 of 16
  • Next

Mistake: Using a sunscreen that landed in your medicine cabinet circa '99

Solution: Make sure your sunscreen is not expired, says Evans -- don't use an old or outdated one. Jailman recommends writing a date on the bottle (if it doesn't already note one) when you buy it, and then tossing it after one year has passed. She adds that if it's a chemical-based sunscreen (as opposed to a physical sunblock -- that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) it can decompose, so make sure not to leave it outside in direct sunlight.

See Next Page: Mistake: Not applying sunscreen evenly and/or putting sunscreen on when you're already outside in your bathing suit

Rate this story|Avg member rating:   9

Products Mentioned in This Story

Member Comments

Rate this:

Great tips! I never wear sunscreen on my drive to work in the morning; I need to start doing it!

by Karica4 Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 12:03PM Report as inappropriate

gotta start using sunscreen

by mayra_alonzo Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 06:48PM Report as inappropriate

As being sunscreen conscious is the best defense we have against the signs of aging it is important that we learn all we can and use the information!

by ShanthiDevi Monday, March 19, 2012 at 12:32AM Report as inappropriate

More people need to read and follow these instructions!!

by tallredamanda Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 05:21AM Report as inappropriate

I agree that sun protection is very important, but is sun really THAT bad? I live in a cold place where it's hardly ever sunny and I usually don't wear any protection. Let's be realistic, everybody is making these mistakes. There are so many rules that we are just not able to follow all of them.

by patricia89 Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 04:09AM Report as inappropriate

Ughh, I do lots of these wrong oops

by sportimonki13 Friday, December 30, 2011 at 12:28AM Report as inappropriate

Great info, thanks!

by grass Monday, December 5, 2011 at 05:54PM Report as inappropriate

ughh i do these sometimes

by Benahir Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 10:11AM Report as inappropriate

ew tan lines.

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 01:13AM Report as inappropriate

I'm totally guilty of using old sunscreen. I never throw it out after a year like I should.

by ladyboarder9669 Monday, August 8, 2011 at 03:06PM Report as inappropriate

- Advertisement -

Beauty Tip of the Day

Add epsom salt to a foot bath to soothe tired feet and reduce swelling more...
see ALL TIPS

- Advertisement -