Common Sunscreen Mistakes

It's sun season, so UV rays have been on my mind lately (and most likely yours, too). And while we all know how important making sure you've got some SPF on hand is to preserving your natural beauty, there are some sneaky missteps you could be leaving your skin vulnerable to damage. Without becoming housebound, there is not way to avoid coming in contact with the sun's rays, so here's a round-up of the common mistakes people make:

Mistake 1: Missing those out-of-the-way places. According to dermatologist Dr. Arielle Kauvar, there are several spots that often get overlooked when it's sunscreen-slathering time. Some areas that are commonly missed: Tops of the feet, the dip between your breasts, and your lips. So make sure to hit those spots before you leave the house. Also, since your bathing suit or clothes can shift throughout the day, make sure to put on your first coat of the day before you get dressed to get full coverage.

Mistake 2: Only remembering SPF on sunny days. When it's bright outside, you get a natural reminder to take cover, but those rays are present on cloudy days, too. And since sun exposure is cumulative, meaning that all the sun you get-even just the few minutes you spent walking for your car to the grocery store in the parking lot-can add up to some big-time damage over time. That's why it's important to wear your sunblock seven days a week, all year round. And luckily, there are a slew of new everyday moisturizers on shelves now so you'll never step outside without SPF again. One to check out: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15

Mistake 3: Not applying often enough. Though there are now longer-lasting formulas on the market, as a general rule, you should reapply your sunscreen every two hours. And while you are more likely to remember to do a redo at the beach, it's the everyday sun exposure you probably aren't thinking about. Which means that the face or body lotion you put on in the morning needs to be refreshed by lunchtime. So keep an SPF lotion in your bag for a touchup. And if you're afraid to mess up your makeup by reapplying on your face, a dusting of a mineral powder (which has natural sun filters) will do.

Mistake 4: Using it too sparsely. You may think a spot of lotion is enough to fend off sun damage, but in actuality, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use a full ounce (about the amount of a shot glass) to cover your body. And since most bottles are 3 to 4 oz., you'll be using a significant chunk of it every time. The bottom line: If your bottle lasts more than 4 applications, you're not using enough. And even if you're using a high SPF, of say, 30, spreading it out too thinly it can knock that protection factor down into the teens or lower. So I say just keep piling the stuff on. Your skin will thank you.