Sunscreen Tips For Summer's Last Hurrah
NOTE: This article has been archived and may not be up to date.
How many half empty sunscreen bottles do you have hanging out the bathroom? Most of us have quite a few. These tips will have you buying, and using, the right amount of sunscreen to minimize waste and protect your skin every step of the way.
1. How much is enough?
One ounce minimum is recommended for full body application. So an average 8 oz. bottle will cover a body head-to-toe eight times, max. For more selective protection, a minimum of one teaspoon per limb is recommended.
It's important not to skimp on the quantity. Studies show we tend to use a fraction of what we should, slashing sunscreen's effectiveness immensely.
2. Reapply every 90 minutes, 2 hours max.
All sunscreens, no matter what SPF, stop working at around 2 hours. Sooner if water or perspiration are involved so reapply frequently.
Tip: Determine how much sunblock you need and commit to taking a couple partially full bottles for a holiday weekend in the sun, before buying more.
3. UV exposure adds up.
When applied as directed, five hours is the maximum time SPF 20 will protect skin that normally burns in 15 minutes. Because sunscreens are unable to block 100% of the damaging rays, our skin's UV tolerance can max out in just a few hours. And once that happens, it's time to head for the shade. No amount of SPF can reverse the exposure. Check out the chart below to gauge your maximum sun exposure time, and buy sunscreen accordingly.
4. SPF 20 + SPF 20 = SPF 20
Slathering on an extra thick layer of sunscreen won't increase a sunscreen's UV protection. SPF 20 will always be SPF 20. So why waste the extra cream? Look to "broad spectrum" 30+ SPF for better protection from the sun's rays.
Tip: As the chart above shows, SPFs above 30 provide a little extra protection but often carry a hefty price tag. For everyday indoor protection, SPF 30 is generally recommended.
5. Expiration dates matter.
Sunscreens do become less effective after the expiration date but they usually last for a couple years. The maximum shelf life for a bottle of sunscreen is about three years. If the texture of sunscreen has broken down or becomes separated, it's probably past it's prime.
Tip: Write the expiration date on new bottles that don't have them to stop wasting perfectly good sunscreen.
6. Recycle Up!
The City wants your empty sunscreen bottles for recycling.
Whether they're aluminum or plastic, spray or tube, all empty sunscreen containers are recyclable in the Blue Cart. Remove and trash spray nozzles because they're usually made with a mix of plastic and metal that can't be recycled. Replace other caps before recycling.
Tip: Try to use the remaining drops of sunscreen while you're out in the sun. That tablespoon might just save the back of some knees or a couple of ears from going under protected. Plus, empty bottles don't need to be rinsed before recycling.
What are your top tips for getting the most out of sunscreen? Share them with us on Facebook.
