Overview
- The Centrum für Reisemedizin (CRM) said on Saturday that most people apply too little sunscreen and that adults should use about 30–40 grams (three to four tablespoons) per full-body application to reach the labeled SPF.
- Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before sun exposure so filters can bind to skin, and reapply after swimming, heavy sweating or towel-drying because so-called “waterfest” labels only guarantee partial protection after set water exposures.
- Heat and direct sunlight can break down UV filters, so store tubes out of the sun, avoid leaving them on hot dashboards, check the small jar symbol for months-of-use after opening (for example “12M”) and write the opening date on the package.
- Protect children by keeping infants under one year out of direct sun, dressing toddlers in a hat and UV-rated clothing, using SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, and remembering a white cotton T-shirt blocks only about SPF 10 of UV.
- If you use insect repellent, let sunscreen absorb for 15–20 minutes before applying DEET or icaridin because those ingredients can reduce sunscreen effectiveness, and following these habits can cut short-term sunburn risk and long-term UV harm.