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Youve been applying suncream wrong doctor warns of easy mistake people always make

EXCLUSIVE: A doctor issued a stark warning about applying suncream as he says that people always make the same easy mistake. Read on if you don't want to fry this hot weekend...

It's set to be a scorcher of more than 30C this weekend in the UK. And that means you'll want to slather on the suncream before you roll out the BBQ or head to the seaside.

Most think the job is done if you squirt some of the SPF lotion on your body before you soak up some sweet rays.

Though that really is not the case, according to a doctor who has seen some gnarly sun-related injuries and illnesses.

READ MORE: People are only just realising what SPF stands for on suncream bottles

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What does it really take to protect yourself against the harsh UV rays?

Well, Dr Lawrence Cunningham, of the UK Care Guide, has revealed that first and foremost many people tend to make the same easy mistake.

So want to make sure you're not a blistering lobster this weekend?

We spoke with the medical professional who shared: "In my experience, one of the most common mistakes people make with sunscreen is not applying enough.

[suncream]

Dr Lawrence Cunningham says that there's a simple mistake people tend to make when it comes to suncream(Image: Getty Images)

"Many individuals think that a small dab here and there is sufficient, but to be fully effective, sunscreen needs to be applied generously. Another mistake is forgetting to reapply.

"Sunscreen wears off after a couple of hours, particularly if you're swimming or sweating, so reapplication is crucial for continued protection. Another frequent error is neglecting certain areas of the body, such as the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet.

"These areas are often exposed to the sun and can burn just as easily as more obvious places like the face and arms."

Earlier, we revealed what SPF actually stands for as many people have been baffled at what the three letters represent on the suncream bottle.

Spoiler alert - it means Sun Protection Factor. And Dr Lawrence says it's really important to practise sun safety.

There's usually a number next to the SPF which can admittedly be "confusing", says the health professional.

[sun burn]

Make sure you buy the right SPF otherwise you'll be looking similar to this (Image: Getty Images)

But, understanding which strength of sun lotion you need is integral to keeping yourself from burning or risking any more severe damage from the sun.

While the NHS advises that the SPF should at least be 30, Dr Lawrence says how high you go after that is dependent on what skin you have and what you plan to do in the sun.

He continued: "From what I've observed, selecting the right SPF (Sun Protection Factor) can be confusing. A good rule of thumb is to consider your skin type and the intensity of your sun exposure.

"An SPF of 30 is generally sufficient for everyday activities where you might have incidental sun exposure. However, if you're spending extended periods outdoors, such as at the beach or hiking, an SPF of 50 or higher is advisable.

"Its also important to consider other factors, such as your skin's sensitivity and any previous history of sunburns or skin cancer.

"In my practice, I always recommended that individuals with fair skin, a history of skin cancer, or those who are prone to burning easily opt for a higher SPF.

"Additionally, broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offer more comprehensive protection and are a wise choice for everyone."

[sun cream]

Suncream first, sunbathing second (Image: Getty Images)

Dr Lawrence dedicated his entire career to medicine. So, in that time, has seen a number of nasty illnesses related to the sun.

That's why he's urging that it's imperative to protect yourself from the sun, especially in extreme heat like the UK is set to see this weekend.

"I have seen a range of sun-related injuries, from mild sunburns to severe cases of sun poisoning," Dr Lawrence said.

"Sunburns can result in red, painful skin that may blister, while sun poisoning can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, and dehydration.

"Long-term exposure without adequate protection can also increase the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, which is the most serious type."

Dr Lawrence's top tips to staying safe in the sun:

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 about 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating
• Don't forget to cover often-missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet
• Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
• Seeking shade during the sun's peak intensity hours, between 10am and 4pm, can also help minimise exposure
• Stay hydrated and watch for signs of overheating, such as dizziness or nausea, which can be exacerbated by sun exposure.

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