Are You
Applying Your
Sunscreen Correctly? A new study published
in the journal PLOS ONE
found that misapplication
of sunscreen is common. Specifically, the study found that when
people used a moisturizer with SPF
rather than a traditional sunscreen, the study participants "covered a smaller
area of the face," making them more
vulnerable to skin cancer. SPF stands for sun protection factor,
and measures how well a sunscreen
can block harmful UV rays that cause sunburn. More than 3 million people
are diagnosed with
skin cancer each year. The best way to
prevent it is to apply
sunscreen thoroughly. The study authors suggest
to make sure to apply it to
the eyelid region as well. And while the authors say that
applying a moisturizer with SPF
is better than nothing, "it should
not be considered the equal of sunscreen."