So we’re all in agreement that sunscreen is a crucial skincare step. But we’re also all human, and sometimes, you might forget to apply it. Or you might skip over some body parts when you’re in a rush. I like to consider myself pretty diligent about applying sunscreen every day, but I spent a day by the pool last summer, and although I thought I had gotten sunscreen on every nook and cranny of my body, I found my shoulders were sunburned at the end of the day. It happened months ago, and I’m still feeling guilty about it.
One mistake that can cause us to forget? It might be you don’t have sunscreen you’re comfortable wearing, that’s easy to use, or that works with your skin. Having sunscreen you actually like wearing makes a big difference, but it sometimes comes down to personal preference. “Many people find it easier to use a product that contains their daily moisturizer as well, as that removes one additional step from their morning regimen,” Cohen says. “Conversely, many people with oily skin want a product that does not add emollience or moisture to their skin. Cosmetic elegance is critically important, as patients will not use their SPF every morning if it is thick or uncomfortable on the skin.”
This can be especially true if you have a skin condition that might make things irritated or uncomfortable, like eczema, rosacea, or even acne-prone skin. If you have a sunscreen product that annoys your skin even more, you might dread wearing it.
