You may be applying an incorrect sunscreen

With spring blooming slowly, warm weather is fast approaching and that means more time spent outdoors in the sun. While apply sunscreen is important throughout the year, especially during the months when we spend more time outdoors.

New research suggests that many people misapply lotions. The research, published in the journal PLOS ONE, revealed that people often forget certain areas of their face, which makes them more vulnerable to skin cancer.

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have examined the use patterns of people using moisturizers with SPF and those using regular sunscreen. Many moisturizers contain the same SPF like traditional sunscreens, but so far little research has been done on how they compare in terms of coverage and protection. The sun protection factor, which means sun protection factor, measures the ability of a sunscreen to block the rays responsible for sunburn.

The study involved 84 participants exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and photographed with the help of a UV-sensitive camera during two separate visits. At the first visit, pictures were taken before and after applying SPF 30 sunscreen or moisturizer. At the second visit, the study was repeated with the other formulation.

The researchers found that people had much less trouble covering all areas of their face when applying the SPF moisturizer, compared to sunscreen. In particular, many of them have forgotten to apply it to their eyelid area.

UV photo after moisturizer with SPF application.

Austin McCormick, 2019

"When applying sunscreen and a moisturizer, the eyes are often forgotten, especially near the nose," wrote the study's authors. "Participants covered a smaller area of ​​the face when using a moisturizer compared to sunscreen."

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3 million people diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to apply sunscreen on all exposed areas of the skin.

The authors of the study say that people should pay special attention to the eyelid area when applying the FPS. They also recommend to consider other methods to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, such as UV filter sunglasses.

They conclude that when they spend long periods outdoors, traditional sunscreen is the solution. "The moisturizer is not as well applied as sunscreen; therefore, if you plan on prolonged exposure to the sun, we advise you to use sunscreen. a moisturizer, we recommend one with an SPF: all SPF is better than nothing, but should not be considered a sun visor "they write.