It's finally the 4th of July Weekend in the Stateline. The weather forecast is looking great with plenty of sunshine. Don't forget to put on sunscreen. Here are a few tips that you may have not known.

 

 

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According to Marieclaire.com, we are making 8 major mistakes when it comes to applying sunscreen. I admit I did not know all of these.

1. You don't apply enough.

Break out that shot glass from your liquor cabinet and that's the amount you need to be applying to your entire body. Your face only requires about a nickel amount. If you use less, it doesn't *necessarily* mean you'll burn, but it does mean you're not getting all the benefits labeled on that SPF bottle of yours.

2. You skimp on reapplying.

Doing it once is not enough. You need to reapply the same amount as above after you take a dip, excessively sweat, or if it's been more than two hours since you've applied. And quick heads up: "Water resistant" is not the same thing at "waterproof." You still have to reapply after you hit the water.

3. You buy the wrong SPF.

SPF is the amount of UVB rays you're protected against, AKA the rays that cause your skin to burn. It is not the amount of UVA rays you're protected against, AKA the rays that are responsible for aging. Also, no, the SPF number does not correlate to how much your sunscreen is protecting you. A sunscreen with SPF 100 doesn't block out 100 percent of the rays—only about 98 percent, while a lotion with SPF 30 will protect you against roughly 95 percent of rays.

4. You don't rub in sprays.

Sprays are much easier to apply and less odorous. The downside, however, is that you're more likely to forget places and have uneven coverage. To make sure you're getting the coverage you need, spray continuously on a specific part for about five seconds and then rub it in and out.

5. You, don't use it at all.

A year-round tan thanks doesn't matter. Your skin color doesn't affect which kind of SPF you should be using. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends all people (regardless of skin tone) should apply at least an SPF 30 to any exposed body part.

6. You don't apply it when you know you're going to be inside.

Windows! WINDOWS. Those glass panes allow rays to reach your skin, so it's still important to protect yourself even if you aren't spending hours outside. And don't forget car time.

7. You don't put sunscreen underneath your clothes.

Guess what? A white tee shirt only has an SPF 3. And that number drops if it gets wet. Ugh. Do NOT neglect putting the white stuff on every inch of you body, even if it'll be covered by an article of clothing—bikini, sunglasses, hat...you get the gist.

8. You forget certain body parts.

Major biggies: the scalp, ears, eyelids, lips, and the tops of feet. If you hate goop in your hair, opt for a spray that dries quickly—yes, they exist. Tip: Don't forget your hair part. It's the most exposed area of your head, and skin cancers in the scalp are often diagnosed much later—meaning it'll likely have progressed and be more aggressive when it's finally detected. For easier application to your eyelids, ears, and lips, try testing out a sunscreen stick.

These are just a few tips to have a safe and Happy 4th of July in the backyard.

Enjoy.

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