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Living in a Northern country such as Canada, where the winter months often feel like a never-ending state of chill and summers are fleeting, we wouldn’t blame you if you’ve been sleeping on your SPF etiquette. There have been many a day when—against the better judgment of all the beauty experts who’ve tried to steer me right—a hazy enough forecast, or the fact that I’ve already applied my makeup, has warranted me skipping out on wearing sunscreen entirely. Oops. Our dermatologists can plead with us to wear sunscreen until they’re blue in the face, but what’s it all for if we’re not wearing it the right way? If you’re not applying enough of your SPF-infused products, using the correct kind, or applying them as often as needed (yes, even when the sun is hiding), you just may be doing it all wrong. “Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the leading cause of both skin cancer and premature aging. Daily use of sunscreen has been shown to significantly reduce your risk of skin cancers,” says GTA-based dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Linda Xing, via email on the importance of wearing sunscreen. With such high stakes, knowing how to maximize your SPF use is all the more necessary. “In addition, sunscreen is always going to be your most budget-friendly anti-aging product for preventing wrinkles, sun spots, and loss of skin elasticity caused by long-term UV exposure,” she continues. For your healthiest, happiest skin, safely shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial. Here, the social media-savvy derm unpacks the most common sunscreen mistakes her clients make, and how to squeeze the most protection out of your sunscreen tubes.
You’re not applying enough sunscreen
Think applying a drop or two of sunscreen will do? Think again. According to Dr. Xing, many of us only apply 25 percent to 50 percent of the recommended amount. “For the face, the average person needs about half a teaspoon,” she explains. “A good rule of thumb is the ‘two finger rule’ where you should use about two finger lengths (index and middle finger from palm to fingertips) of sunscreen for the face.” As for the body, the skin expert recommends using about an ounce (a shot glass full). Pick up a sunscreen like Shiseido’s Ultra Sun Protector Lotion Mineral that works for the face and body to make your SPF routine a breeze. 
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You’re forgetting to reapply
Although morning sunscreen application is a great place to start, it’s important to continue reapplying throughout the day. “Sunscreen breaks down after about two hours, especially with sweating, swimming, or towel-drying, “ Dr. Xing says. “Without reapplication, skin is left unprotected.” For convenience, keep a sunscreen spray on deck and mist your skin every two hours when outdoors, and immediately after swimming or sweating. Ultra Violette’s newly-launched Preen Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Mist is the invisible, makeup-safe option we’re currently obsessing over. 
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You only use sunscreen on a sunny day
Only slathering sunscreen on when the sun is beaming bright? We’ve all been there, but the reality is up to 80 percent of UV rays can sneak through clouds and UVA rays go right through windows, too. That said, applying a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher—like e.l.f Cosmetics’ Suntouchable sunscreen—is key regardless of the weather. 
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You’re neglecting important areas of application
We’re sure you’re already hitting the obvious areas that need coverage, like your face and arms, but don’t forget to apply sunscreen everywhere else your skin may be exposed. “Areas like the ears, neck, scalp, lips and tops of feet are frequently missed but highly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer,” explains Dr. Xing. To help tackle some of those often overlooked zones, she suggests using SPF-infused lip balms (Vacation’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake–flavoured SPF Lip Balm Sunscreen is our current hyperfixation), sprays and powder sunscreens for the scalp. And don’t sleep on a wide-brim hat—it’s an easy (and stylish) layer of extra protection. 
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You’re not using a broad-spectrum sunscreen
Considering that not all sunscreens defend against both UVA and UVB rays, here’s your sign to inspect the type of sunscreen you’re currently using. While UVB rays can cause sunburn, Dr. Xing explains that UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are a leading cause of premature aging and skin cancers. “Choose a sunscreen labelled ‘broad spectrum,’ or look for UVA in a circle (common in European products), or PA+++ or higher (used on many Asian sunscreens) to ensure strong UVA protection,” she advises. For UVB defence, the SPF number will indicate the level of protection offered, which should be SPF 30 or higher. Formulated with SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay’s new Anthelios Hydrating Lotion ticks all our boxes. 
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