Sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

While many people rely on sunscreen for sun protection, using it alone is often not enough.

To reduce the risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer, it's essential to enhance your sun protection routine with additional strategies. Below are several ways to improve the effectiveness of your sun protection and safeguard your skin more effectively.

<b>1. Choose a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen</b>

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, contributing to premature ageing and wrinkles, while UVB rays cause sunburn and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures you're protected from both types of harmful radiation.

<b>2. Use a Sunscreen with High SPF</b>

Higher SPF provides more protection, but the difference becomes marginal beyond SPF 50. For daily use, an SPF of at least 30 is recommended, but when spending extended periods outdoors, consider an SPF of 50 or higher. This gives your skin a stronger defence against sun damage, especially in intense sunlight.

<b>3. Apply Enough Sunscreen</b>

One of the most common mistakes people make is not applying enough sunscreen. To get the full SPF protection listed on the label, apply about 1 ounce (roughly a shot glass) of sunscreen to cover your entire body.

For the face alone, use a nickel-sized amount. Failing to use enough sunscreen significantly reduces its effectiveness.

<b>4. Reapply Sunscreen Regularly</b>

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every two hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Even if your sunscreen is labelled as "water-resistant," it can still wear off after exposure to water or perspiration. Reapplication is essential to maintain consistent protection throughout the day.

<b>5. Apply Sunscreen Before Going Outdoors</b>

For optimal protection, apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. This allows the sunscreen to properly bind to your skin and form an effective protective layer.

If you wait until you're already outside and exposed to the sun, your skin is at greater risk of UV damage during those first few minutes.

<b>6. Cover All Exposed Areas</b>

It's easy to miss certain parts of the body when applying sunscreen. Make sure to cover all exposed areas thoroughly, and if you have thinning hair or no hair, use sunscreen on your scalp or wear a hat to protect it from sun exposure.

<b>7. Wear Protective Clothing</b>

Clothing can provide excellent protection from the sun, especially when paired with sunscreen. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats made of tightly woven fabrics that block UV rays. Look for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which indicates how well the fabric shields your skin from the sun.

<b>8. Use Sunglasses with UV Protection</b>

Overexposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye issues. Wraparound sunglasses are ideal, as they provide more coverage and prevent UV rays from reaching your eyes from the sides.