The mistakes that make your body sunscreen fail

We have to admit that when we talk about sunscreen , we often only think about our face. Perhaps because the face is the first part of our body exposed to the sun, showing the signs of sunburn and also causing premature photoaging. But the body has much more exposed skin, such as our arms, legs, back, and chest. And these are the areas that almost always lack protection.

The result?: unevenly burned areas , swimsuit tan lines that are not only unsightly, but also a sign that the sunscreen didn't reach all areas properly.

Has this ever happened to you? Then keep reading, because in this article we'll teach you the most common mistakes when applying body sunscreen .

You only wear sunscreen if you're going to the beach or the pool

More than a problem of technique, this is a habit mistake. Think about your daily routine: you go to work in short sleeves, you walk in the sun, you eat on the terrace, you drive with your arm out the window; and that skin also accumulates sun exposure , day after day, even if you haven't been to the beach or the pool.

The cumulative damage from "everyday" sun exposure on the arms and chest is, over the years, just as real as that from a day at the beach without protection. Everyone, regardless of skin type, should have a daily body protection routine.

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Relying on the swimsuit to cover those areas

Keep in mind that swimsuits move, ride up, and fall down in the water or when you sit on the sand or a sun lounger, leaving patches of skin unprotected that you thought were covered. The constant friction of the fabric against wet skin wears down the filter much faster than on areas without clothing.

That's why the famous swimsuit tan lines are the ultimate proof that right there, the sunscreen stopped working before it did on the rest of the body.

You're miscalculating the amount because there's a lot of skin.

The biggest problem when using body sunscreen is the small amount we use. Compared to the face, it's often difficult to gauge how much surface area needs to be covered.

There isn't one exact amount that works for everyone; as a general guideline, about 30 ml is enough to cover an adult's entire body. This amount varies because it depends on each person's body size.

You're misusing textures designed for the body

Body oils and mists are convenient, and although they are applied differently than sunscreen, you still need to rub in; simply spraying is not enough.

Misuse of body spray generally leaves some areas with excess product and others with much less than expected.

If you're using dry oil with sunscreen , remember that its light texture makes it easy to apply too little without realizing it. Make sure the layer is even, not just shiny.

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The most vulnerable areas of the body under the sun

Not all areas of the body receive the same amount of solar radiation when we go to the beach or the pool. Some are more vulnerable than others and deserve greater attention. The most relevant are:

• The nape of the neck : it's easy to forget if you wear your hair loose or half-up.
• The back : especially the upper part, which almost no one can reach properly without help.
• The sides of the torso : that strip that remains between the arm and the body when you move.
• The buttocks and groin area : when you wear a swimsuit.
• The back of the knees : which bends and is exposed when walking or sitting.
• Your feet : especially if you wear sandals all day.
• The insteps : most people remember the arms and legs, but the insteps are usually discovered when you change position on the sun lounger.

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How to cover the entire body completely without leaving gaps

Sunscreen should be applied at least twenty minutes before sun exposure. The application method and steps are also important:

1. Start with the large areas: legs, arms, torso, in generous amounts.
2. Continue with back and neck pain, asking for help or using an easy-to-apply spray.
3. It includes knees, ankles, feet and the lower back area.
4. Adjust the swimsuit or clothing after applying, to cover what was previously covered.

Remember that when you dry yourself with a towel after bathing, you remove some of the product; that's why it's important to reapply after bathing, sweating, and even every two hours if you are constantly exposed to the sun.

Protecting yourself well is a matter of habit.

Just as you have the habit of brushing your teeth, using deodorant, or applying your favorite fragrance before leaving home, sun protection is also a habit. This is especially important for the body, which has hard-to-reach areas and is more exposed to friction from clothing, water, and sand.

Covering each area well, reapplying without relying on your swimsuit, and not reserving sunscreen only for beach and pool days makes the difference between even, healthy skin and skin with surprises at the end of summer.

Take care of your body with Perfume's Club body sunscreens, available in different textures such as cream, spray or dry oil, and adapt the protection to your daily routine.