If you don’t properly protect yourself, you can risk causing some serious sun damage
13:43, 27 Jun 2026Updated 13:51, 27 Jun 2026
A common sunscreen mistake could prematurely age your skin
A skincare expert is calling out a widespread sunscreen blunder involving the ’30-minute rule’ that many are guilty of – and it could be ageing your skin faster while ramping up your chances of sun damage.
With Ireland sizzling under scorching temps this week, chances are we’ll all be spending extra time soaking up the rays outdoors.
Experts are hammering home the message: slap on that sun cream, but make sure you’re doing it properly, reports RSVP Live.
Donna-Marie Beard, advanced facialist at top beauty and wellness clinic AL Aesthetics, said: “Sunscreen plays a key role in protecting our skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can contribute to skin damage and premature ageing. As we spend more time outdoors enjoying warming temperatures, it’s important to know the essentials when it comes to using sun protection correctly. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher helps block both UVA and UVB rays is good for everyday use.
“A mistake many people make is failing to apply it between 15 and 30 minutes before sun exposure, which is vital to allow it time to absorb and work effectively. Make sure you cover all areas of the skin that are likely to be exposed, and don’t forget commonly neglected areas such as the ears, hairline, eyelids and the back of the neck.
“A good method to use is dabbing rather than rubbing the cream into the skin as this can help avoid irritation and ensure a more even application. If you are spending a prolonged period of time outdoors, it’s important to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if sweating or swimming is likely to have washed it away.”
Spending too long under the sun’s harmful UV rays can wreak havoc on your skin, from painful sunburn and irritation to dryness, flakiness and premature ageing.
Sunscreen is a vital line of defence against such damage, though it comes in varying sun protection factor (SPF) ratings.
These ratings span from 2 to 50+, with higher figures offering greater levels of protection.
Skincare specialists advise people to always check the expiry date on their creams, oils and lotions, as sunscreen typically has a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture, or just one year once opened.
Taking additional precautions is equally crucial, including steering clear of direct sunlight during peak hours between 11am and 3pm, and keeping yourself well hydrated throughout the day.
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