We hate to break the bad news, but even though your makeup primer and foundation tout generous SPF ratings, they're not adequately protecting you. They're almost always applied too thinly to provide you with the advertised SPF.
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You Forget to Reapply Every Two Hours
Another major mistake is not reapplying as frequently as you should with SPF. Just because you've diligently applied your sunscreen before heading out the door in the morning doesn't mean your duty is done for the day. Cela says, "Sunscreen is only effective for up to two hours, so if you're out longer than two hours you must reapply. It also comes off after getting wet, so don't forget to reapply after swimming and sweating."
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You Think Layering Sunscreens Will Protect You More
"Patients often believe that if they are layering sunscreens with different SPF values, the SPF they receive is additive," says Dr. Henry. "In actuality, you are only protected as much as the highest SPF you are wearing. So SPF 15 plus SPF 30 does not equal 45 — it equals SPF 30."
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You Think You Can Skip Sunscreen Because You're Not Outside
If you sit in a room with a window, you're exposing yourself to the sun. If you commute from the door to your car — or just to the mailbox — you're exposing yourself to the sun. Unless you live in a windowless underground apartment and aren't leaving for the day, grab your favorite SPF and lather up.
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You Assume Sunscreen Is All The Protection You Need
SPF is clearly the holy grail product everyone needs in their skin care arsenal. However, it shouldn't be the only sun protection you rely upon. "Even if you're wearing a high SPF, if you are out long enough — especially during midday — you will get sun damage. It's extremely important to get out of, or block, the sun as much as possible," says Cela. "Besides sunscreen, find shade or use umbrellas, protective clothing with SPF, and avoid the sun during peak midday sun."
