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Christine Estima
When traveling, whether backpacking across the Sahara or relaxing at a resort in a tropical destination, applying and reapplying sunscreen is important. Reapplication should be every two hours — yes, you have to wear it even when it’s cold and cloudy outside. “The best practice is to wear sunscreen every day, no matter the season or type of weather,” Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa told Southern Living, and noted that you should aim for at least SPF 30 when buying your fave sun blocker.
The problem many of us encounter is that we forget to reapply sunscreen. “I make it easy on myself and just keep a small bottle or tube of sunscreen in the bag I’m carrying and in my medicine cabinet, just like you do for lip balm,” Dr. DeRosa says. But what if you forget to pack it? Or perhaps you feel your skin isn’t getting enough sun to warrant another layer. But often, when sweating or frolicking in the pool, sunscreen washes away rather quickly.
Luckily, we’ve found some great tips, tricks, and hacks to ensure you remember to reapply sunscreen. Have you ever tried UV stickers? Singing hats? What about your good old phone timer? Now’s your chance. Here’s how.
UV stickers change color when it’s time to reapply
@cnetdotcom
We tested #UV stickers with different types of #sunscreens (mineral, chemical and combinations of both) that let you know when is a good time to reapply. #uvstickers #uvdetector #uvindex #spotmyuv #supergoop #uvsticker #sunsafety #unseensunscreen #coolasunscreen #mineralsunscreen #sunscreentok #chemicalsunscreen #summersun
♬ original sound – CNET
“My best tip when it comes to remembering to reapply sunscreen is to set reminders on your phone that go off every two hours,” Dermatology Expert Dr. Joshua Zeichner told The Bright Side. Phone reminders are awesome, but you could also try a fun UV sticker.
On TikTok, CNET tested SpotMyUV stickers, an innovation that claims to alert users to reapply sunscreen. First, a purple sticker is stuck to the skin, turning transparent, almost invisible, when sunscreen is rubbed on top. Two hours later, the purple returns, indicating it’s time for a reapplication. CNET notes that the stickers don’t show the effectiveness of your sunscreen or its SPF level; instead, they merely alert you to reapply the product.
Another fun gadget plays music on your hat when you need to reapply sunscreen. Adafruit makes the FLORA UV Index Sensor; the chip sticks on any hat and sings after about two hours. It demands no soldering, but some DIY assembly is required. Adafruit’s YouTube instructions swear any tech newbie can master it.
If you don’t want to spend money, a fun and creative reminder is to stick your sunscreen inside your drink cooler. When you reach for your next brewskie or juice, reapply! Another is to mark your skin with a non-toxic waterproof marker, like a Sharpie. Opt for an area aligned with your vision: wrist, hand, or foot, and whenever you see it, you’ll be reminded to grab your sunscreen.
