Top 3 SPF Sun Protection Mistakes

As seen in The Sun

Dr Ross Perry provided the top 3 sun protection mistakes for The Sun’s feature:

“Hot weather mistakes putting you at risk of skin cancer – as surgeon reveals he’s treating more children”

Dr Ross Perry’s 3 sun protection mistakes to avoid

1. Only wearing SPF on sunny or hot days

Dr Ross Perry told Sun Health:

“UV rays can penetrate clouds and still cause damage even when it’s overcast or cool, which is why SPF should be worn year-round.”

Wearing SPF (sunscreen) is important regardless of the weather or temperature. UV rays are present all year round and can still penetrate your skin even on cloudy or cool days. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds.

What’s more, UV rays can reach you even when you are indoors, especially if you are near windows. Using sunscreen helps protect your skin from this indirect exposure.

UV exposure can lead to cumulative skin damage over time, increasing the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin issues. Daily use of SPF helps protect against this, reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation, and minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Not wearing enough SPF

Dr Perry says:

“Most people use far less than the recommended amount. For full body coverage, you need around a shot glass-sized amount, and it should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming, playing sport, or towel drying. People also tend to miss key areas like the scalp, ears, eyelids, neck, and tops of the feet, which are just as vulnerable to sun damage.”

Not wearing enough SPF can lead to several skin-related issues over time. Insufficient SPF can result in sunburn, which is an immediate reaction to overexposure to UV radiation. Symptoms include red, painful skin that may blister.

In the longer term, UV radiation can accelerate skin aging, leading to premature wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots as well as hyperpigmentation.

Sun exposure with inadequate protection from UV rays increases the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

3. Applying SPF too late

Dr Perry warned Sun readers not to wait until they’re outdoors to apply sunscreen:

“It should be applied at least 15–20 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb properly.”

Applying SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen too late can reduce its effectiveness in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Applying the product before sun exposure allows the active ingredients to bind to your skin and provide adequate protection.

If you find yourself having missed the application window, it’s best to seek shade and cover up, and then apply sunscreen when you can to protect your skin for the duration of your time outdoors.

More sunscreen tips from skin experts

4. Don’t avoid SPF because of cancer fears

Some people choose not to wear SPF as they believe it causes cancer. This is a myth and there is no good evidence that SPF causes cancer, while there is plenty of evidence linking sun exposure to skin cancer.

5. SPF in makeup is NOT enough

Many foundations and moisturisers now include SPF but this tends to be very small quantities and insufficient to protect the skin from sun damage.

Read this article in full

SPF Tips

To protect your skin, it’s essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher for adequate protection. Apply it generously, and reapply every two hours (or more often if swimming or sweating). Don’t forget to use it on cloudy days and during winter months, as UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and reflect off snow. Additionally, wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses can further help reduce sun exposure.

Remember that sunscreen is just one part of sun protection. Wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) can further reduce the risk of skin damage.

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry often assists the media with his explanations and information. He has extensive experience as an NHS GP and skin cancer reconstruction doctor alongside his private work as Founder and Medical Director of the London Mole Removal Centre.

He is renowned as an expert in removal of skin lesions. He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering diagnosis and treatment for skin lesions including moles, cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma, milia. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Patients benefit from:

No waiting lists
Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
Blemishes can usually be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get very quick treatment
Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
Testing with report provided where necessary

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.