You're applying sun cream wrong – Brits' 5 most common mistakes uncovered

You're applying sun cream wrong – Brits' 5 most common mistakes uncovered As the UK is expecting the third summer heatwave this week, the NHS has shared five common mistakes people often make with sunscreen, and how you can get the most protection from it. Temperatures across the UK are due to hit over 30C as the sun will be out in most parts of the country, making it extra important to protect yourself against the harsh UV rays by making sure you always wear sunscreen when stepping out of your house. However, the NHS has now issued urgent advice, as they claim most people make five common mistakes when applying sun cream, while also sharing how to get the best protection from it. "Are you applying sunscreen correctly?" they wondered in the caption of their post. "Common mistakes could be leaving your skin more exposed than you think." They went on to share five common mistakes people often make regarding sunscreen, and what to do instead to help protect against the sun. 1. Putting it wrong at the wrong time For the first mistake, the NHS explained that most people put on their sunscreen at the wrong time, making it less effective. They went on to explain that sunscreen needs to be applied twice before you head out in the sun, once 30 minutes before you head outside and then again right before going out. By applying twice, you are less likely to miss areas and more likely to get a thick-enough layer of sunscreen. It's also recommended to use SPF protection of 30 or above for UVB protection, that also have a high star rating of 4 or 5 stars for UVA protection. 2. Not reapplying after being in water Next, the post stated that you should always reapply sunscreen after coming out of the water, whether it's a pool, the sea, or after a water fight. This is because the sunscreen will have been washed off by the water, even if it claims to be water-resistant. The cooling effect of the water can also make you think you're not getting burned. Water also reflects ultraviolet (UV) rays, increasing your exposure. However, they still recommend using water-resistant sunscreen if you're planning on being in water, as it stays on better than normal sunscreen if you get wet, but should still be reapplied after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. 3. Not reapplying sunscreen frequently For their third point, the NHS said: "You should reapply [sunscreen] every two hours - sooner if you have been in water." According to their website, they went on to explain that sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently, and according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes applying it straight after you have been in water, even if it's "water resistant", and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. "It's also recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, as the sun can dry it off your skin," they explained on their website. 4. Using out of date sunscreen While it's easy to forget about the use by dates of beauty products and toiletries, especially if you only use then a handful of times per year, the NHS warned against using out of date sunscreen. "Expired sunscreen won't provide effective protection from the sun," they explained in their Instagram post. If you're unsure if your sunscreen is still safe to use, you should look for a symbol with an open lid, the letter M and a number. This shows how many months the sunscreen will last once open. 5. Relying only on sunscreen to protect you against the sun Finally, the NHS also urged people to wear suitable clothing and to spend time in the shade when the sun is at its hottest. In the UK, this is typically between 11am and 3pm, but can vary. During these hours, it's recommended to spend as much time as possible in the shade, avoiding direct contact with the sunshine. You should also wear loose fitting but covering clothing items, such as long sleeved tops, and trousers or long skirts in close-weave fabrics that do not allow sunlight through. It's also recommended to protect your head with wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck and ears, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.