When I think about how lax people used to be about sunscreen back in the day, I shudder. I remember people using baby oil or skipping it all together, since they figured sunscreen would prevent them from getting a tan. Prolonged sun exposure is one of the quickest ways to get skin cancer. Even though skin cancer can be successfully treated if it’s caught early, it can also be deadly.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer throughout their lives, melanoma being the most dangerous. Even scarier, around 78,560 new cases of melanoma pop up every year.
Not only is it important to slather on sunscreen every time you go outside (and not just in the summer, by the way) but it’s important to reapply to make sure you’re covered. Even if skin cancer is the last thing on your mind, it’ll also prevent sunburns. If you’ve had a sunburn before, you’ll know why they should be avoided. They’re not only harsh to look at, but they’re quite painful.
There’s a lot about sunscreen that people don’t know. For one, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a lotion that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. A waterproof sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher is recommended if you’re outside. And of course, reapplying is the name of the game. It’s common to underuse sunscreen, but you never hear of cases where someone’s accidentally applied too much.
So, how can you remind yourself to reapply when you’re right in the midst of fun on the beach? Here are some clever hacks that’ll keep you safe.
1. Set a phone reminder.
You have a reminder to take your birth control pill and take out the trash. Why not set a reminder every few hours to reapply your lotion? There’s a pretty good chance you’ll be on your phone anyway, so this is the best way to make sure you’re staying safe in the sun.
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2. Keep a tiny bottle in your purse and in your car.
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If you have multiple bottles, there’s no reason to skimp on reapplying. Even better, sunscreen comes in tiny traveler sizes, so they’re perfect for discreetly keeping in your purse and the glove compartment in your car. Sunscreen typically keeps for three years, so once you’ve stocked your new mini bottles, you won’t have to think about it for awhile. (And if you want to be extra safe, set a reminder in three years to replace them!)
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3. Give yourself a sun temp tattoo.
Sharpies are non-toxic, but not wonderful for your skin — so if you want to use this hack, it’s great to find a marker, like this one from SportSafe, to give yourself a temporary tattoo. Put it right on your hand or wrist, where you’ll be likely to see it. Want something more discreet? If you’re lounging around in a beach chair, perhaps put your sun drawing on the top of your foot. That way, it’ll be in your line of vision while you’re relaxing poolside.
4. Find a regular lotion with an SPF that you love.
You might think that sunscreen is only important when you’re outside. It’s crucial outside, but should actually be a healthy part of your lifestyle every day. Yes, even in the winter. The best way to remind yourself to reapply when you’re mostly indoors is to find a regular lotion that includes it. That way, you’ll stay safe without risking smelling like sunscreen during your next meeting at work.
Leaving a bottle on your work desk will be a constant reminder to reapply. It’s also good to have a lotion you love that includes SPF, since if you apply it right after your morning shower, you’ll start the day protected. Some good ones include Eucerin Daily Hydration and Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion.
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5. Throw a bottle in a cooler, and reapply whenever you’re thirsty.
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Aside from sunscreen, you also have to stay hydrated when you’re out in the sun. Water is crucial. If you have a small cooler with a few cold drinks, throw a bottle of sunscreen in there. Every time you reach for more water, it’ll be a great reminder to reapply.
6. Pop on a sunscreen band.
A product exists that will literally remind you to reapply — and they’re pretty cool. Sunburn Alert, a company located in the USA, sells them online. Pretty soon, it’ll be part of your beach ensemble, along with your sunglasses and bikini.
7. Or try wearing a patch.
We’re truly in the future, people. La Roche-Posay offers the innovative UV patch that, aligned with an app on your phone, reminds you to reapply sunscreen. Download the app for free on Google or iTunes. Starting July 18th, you get your patch for free as well! Find out more here.
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8. Enlist the help of a buddy.
Always follow the buddy system. Just like it’s easier to go to the gym if you have a friend to go with and keep you accountable, it’s good to have a friend to start a sunscreen ritual with. Make a fun pact that every two hours, you’ll remind each other to reapply. Maybe make it a little more fun — like, the person who remembers first doesn’t have to pay for your appetizer during dinner. Trust me, free food will inspire anyone to watch the clock.
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9. Add Baz Luhrmann’s sunscreen song to your playlist.
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It reminds a lot of us of simpler times. Back in the late ’90s, artist Baz Luhrmann released a song called “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen).” In the lyrics, Luhrmann states, “If I could offer you only one tip for the future / Sunscreen would be it.” He’s absolutely right. If you’re creating an ultimate beach playlist, include this song on it. And include it once every two hours. Make a point to reapply every time it comes on.