We show you what pitfalls to avoid and what to look for when choosing the right sunscreen.
The most common mistakes when applying sunscreen
1. Applying too little sunscreen
A common mistake is that many people use too little sunscreen. If not applied sufficiently, the protection will not correspond to the sun protection factor stated on the product. The right amount is therefore crucial. For an average adult body, about 30-40 ml of sunscreen should be used – this corresponds to approximately four heaped tablespoons.
2. Uneven application
Another common mistake is that sunscreen is not spread thoroughly enough. This leaves areas of skin unprotected and susceptible to sunburn. Care should therefore be taken to ensure that the product is rubbed in evenly and thoroughly to ensure complete coverage.
3. Important areas of the body are overlooked
The neck, ears, tops of the feet and scalp (if there is little hair) are often forgotten – and this can end up being painful. When applying sunscreen, make sure to include these often neglected areas.
4. Only using sunscreen in direct sunlight
A common misconception is that sunscreen is only necessary in bright sunshine. However, UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces such as water and sand. Therefore, sunscreen is a must even in cloudy weather or in the shade.
5. Forgetting to reapply
Even the best sunscreen does not last forever. Sweating, swimming or drying off reduce its protective effect – even with waterproof products. To stay optimally protected, you should reapply every two to three hours, especially after activities in the water, drying off or heavy sweating.
6. Misconception: ‘Reapplying sunscreen prolongs protection’
The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned when using sunscreen. The higher the value, the longer the protection. In concrete terms: if you would start to redden after about 10 minutes without sun protection and use a cream with a sun protection factor of 30, the sun protection is extended to a maximum of 300 minutes. However, reapplying sunscreen does not extend the protection – it only maintains it in accordance with the level of sun protection factor selected!
The choice of the right SPF depends on your skin type and the intensity of the sun's rays.
à The individual protection time can be calculated using the formula: natural protection time in minutes * sun protection factor = protection time in minutes.
Which sunscreen is right for which situation?
Not every sunscreen is equally suitable for every situation. Here is an overview of what to look out for:
For everyday use
A light sunscreen with mattifying properties is ideal for daily use. It ensures that the skin does not shine and still offers reliable protection. Water resistance is less important here, as contact with water is usually minimal.
At the beach or on holiday
For holidays or days at the beach, you should use a waterproof sunscreen. Swimming and sweating can reduce the protective effect, so a product with high water resistance is essential. A high sun protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) is also recommended, especially in regions with intense sunlight and reflective surfaces (beach, water).
The right protection makes all the difference
Sun protection is more than just a summer ritual at the beach – it is an essential part of skin care. Applying the right amount thoroughly and reapplying regularly are crucial for effectively protecting the skin from UV rays.
At Mibelle Group, we have decades of expertise in the field of sun protection products. We develop a wide variety of formulations and application forms – from creams for sensitive children's skin to light pump or aerosol sprays for active people and athletes, and light lotions for skin prone to irritation.
In this article, we took a look over the shoulders of our two product development experts, Nadine Jehle and Silvia Müller, in their laboratory. They provide exciting insights into the development of sunscreens, the various UV filters, regulatory requirements and current trends.
