How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen in Summer?

The sun can be harsh during summer, and the most potent defence against it during the season is sunscreen. However, applying sunscreen once in the morning and forgetting about it like your tasks for the rest of the day is a big mistake! Unfortunately, sunscreen application is not a one-and-done process; applying it is crucial for keeping your skin healthy and protected. In this blog, Dr Vedant Ghuse, an experienced skin specialist in Tilak Nagar, will discuss the importance of sunscreen and how often to reapply it.

Why Reapplication of Sunscreen is Important

Sunscreen creates a barrier between your skin and the harmful rays of the sun—UVA and UVB rays- that affect the skin differently.

UVB rays are stronger and can cause severe sunburns in the short term, and in the long run, they can be a cause of melanomas or skin cancers. UVA rays have lower energy levels and are often considered to cause tanning and flushing.

Sunscreen can provide protection for a limited time; however, over time, things like sweat, heat, and rubbing your face can wear it away, exposing your face to the harmful rays of the sun. That is why reapplication of sunscreen is not optional; it is essential!

Not reapplying sunscreen can result in a host of problems like premature ageing, sunburns, dark spots, and over a period of time, increases your risk of skin cancer.

How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen?

Professionals like Dr Vedant Ghuse, a leading skin specialist near Chembur, often recommend applying sunscreen every 2 hours, especially when you are outdoors. However, several factors may change the duration of reapplication, such as:

• If you are swimming, sweating, or towel drying your skin often, it is important to reapply the sunscreen immediately, even if it hasn’t been 2 hours! Select a water-resistant sunscreen when going to the beach or swimming, or indulging in an activity that will make you swear
• If you are indoors, reapply sunscreen once.
• For people who apply makeup, do not forget your skincare! For reapplication, you can use a sunscreen in the form of a mist that will not budge your makeup.

Don’t Forget These Spots

People often apply sunscreen on the exposed parts of the face and often forget key areas—the ears, the top of the feet, the neck, and even the lips!

Easy Tips for Reapplication

• Carry a sunscreen that is travel-sized wherever you go.
• Use spray or stick sunscreens for convenient reapplication on the go.
• Set phone alarms or reminders to reapply if you’re out for long periods.
• Do not forget to reapply sunscreen on cloudy days!

Which SPF Should You Use?

In the summer season, experts like Dr Vedant Ghuse, a professional skin doctor in Chembur, recommend using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Sun damage is a continuous process and can cause serious damage if not taken seriously. Reapplying sunscreen is a small habit that can make a big impact in the long run for your skin’s health.

So whatever you’re doing this summer- swimming, hiking, or just running errands- make sure to reapply your sunscreen after every 2 hours! Your future self will thank you for this decision you make today!