Top SPF Mistakes When Travelling: Are You Guilty Of These?
Travelling soon? Weâve rounded up 10 common SPF mistakes to help you keep your skin protected properly, plus the best products to pack for the job.
When it comes to sun protection, a lot of us still get it wrong, especially when travelling. Using sunscreen correctly is one of the easiest and most important ways to protect your skin from premature ageing, sunburn and long-term damage. Yet there are plenty of common SPF mistakes people make on holiday that can leave your skin vulnerable.
In this SPF guide, weâre breaking down the top SPF mistakes for your face and body that we see time and time again. From forgetting to re-apply to using last yearâs half-empty bottle, consider this your travel skincare checklist. Plus, we also explain how SPF works and when to wear sunscreen, even when you think you might not need it.
What Is SPF, And Why Does It Matter?
Before we dive into the mistakes, letâs cover the basics. SPF, meaning Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen product protects your skin from UVB rays (the type that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer). An SPF 30, for example, filters out around 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF 50 filters out around 98%. The difference sounds small, but itâs significant, especially if youâre prone to burning.
If youâre unsure which SPF to choose for your skin type, our guide âThe Best Protective Sunscreen For Youâ covers everything you need to know.
The Most Common SPF Mistakes When Travelling
Whether youâre travelling abroad or just out and about at home, itâs easy to slip up with SPF without even realising. So letâs get into it. How many of these are you guilty of?
1. Only Applying Sunscreen Once A Day
A big one. Many people apply SPF before breakfast or as theyâre about to sink into their sun-bed and think theyâre sorted for the day. In reality, SPF breaks down over time, especially with the intense sun exposure abroad, being in and out of water, your increase in sweat and towel-drying.
Fix: Re-apply every two hours, and straight after swimming or sweating. This is key to embed into your daily routine, not just on holiday. A handy option is the Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray SPF 50+, which makes top-ups easy on the go.
2. Not Using Enough SPF
Most people use less than half the recommended amount. That means the protection level on the bottle isnât what youâre actually getting on your skin.
Fix: Use a shot glass (about 30ml) for full-body coverage. For your face alone, applying atleast two finger-lengths worth of product is ideal. Try La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+ for reliable, broad-spectrum protection.
3. Ignoring Water Resistance
Your regular daily SPF might be fine at home, but it wonât hold up against pool days and sea swims.
Fix: Choose a water-resistant formula for when you're at the beach or by the pool. Ultrasun Sports Spray SPF 50 is a brilliant choice for active days outdoors.
4. Forgetting to Pack Sunscreen in Your Carry-On
If youâre checking a suitcase, you might assume youâre sorted. But airport layovers, long-haul flights and sunny arrivals can catch you out.
Fix: Pack a travel-size SPF in your carry-on. COOLA Classic Face Mist SPF50 is perfect for refreshing and protecting your skin mid-flight.
5. Only Using SPF When Itâs Sunny
Cloudy day? You still need sunscreen. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. A good tip is to check the UV index on your weather app!
Fix: SPF is an everyday essential. Get into the habit of wearing Beauty of Jose Rice Sunscreen Complex SPF50+ daily, whatever the forecast.
6. Not Adjusting SPF For Your Destination
SPF 15 might be fine for a grey Tuesday at home, but it wonât protect you in tropical destinations or at a high altitude.
Fix: Choose SPF 30 or higher if youâre escaping to somewhere sunny or high up in the mountains. Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream SPF50 is a lightweight, high-protection option perfect for humid climates.
7. Missing Key Areas
Hands up if youâve burnt your ears or scalp before. Itâs easy to forget places like your lips, ears, scalp, feet and the backs of your hands.
Fix: Use lip balms with SPF like Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF 50 and a spray SPF for hard-to-reach areas. Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF 50 is a winner for scalp and ears.
8. Applying Sunscreen Right Before Sun Exposure
If youâre applying your SPF just as you hit the sun lounger, youâre leaving your skin exposed.
Fix: Apply your SPF 15-30 minutes before heading outside to give it time to absorb. Make it part of your morning skincare routine with Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+.
9. Using Expired SPF
That bottle you found at the bottom of your beach bag from last year will most likely not be doing anything anymore.
Fix: Always check expiration dates and replace if needed. A good staple sun cream for the family is Ultrasun Family SPF 30. Available in a larger sizes so you only need to pack one bottle rather than buying three.
10. Skipping SPF On The Plane
At 30,000 feet in the air, UV exposure is actually higher, especially if youâre sitting by the window.
Fix: Protect your skin from UV exposure on daytime flights. A mist like Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Facial Sun Mist makes it easy to top up protection without disrupting your makeup.
Tackling Top SPF Mistakes When Travelling
If you fall victim to our common SPF mistakes while travelling, just remember, whether itâs blazing sunshine or overcast skies, SPF isnât a holiday extra, itâs an everyday essential.
If you need help choosing the right sunscreen for your trip, our Skin Experts provide advice on the best products suited to you. Click here to book your consultation.
SPF Products For Your Travels
The perfect aerosol body spray broad-spectrum sunscreen with water-resistant technology thatâs even effective when applied to wet skin. The sunscreen works to protect skin against UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A the formula absorbs quickly...
La Roche-Posay's Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ is a very high UVB/UVA sun protection for the face, specifically developed for sensitive skin. It contains their new exclusive UV filter MEXORYL40 to help protect...
The ideal sunscreen for hikers, windsurfers, cyclists and anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. Lightweight and fuss free with high protection. Suitable for all skin types.
Suited to oily and acne-prone skin types, Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+ 50ml Contains Licochalcone A to neutralise free radicals caused by UV and HEVIS light, while helping to regulate sebum production.
Prevent chapping, cracks and sun damage to your delicate lips with lightweight, easy to use, nourishing Ultrasun lip protection for all skin types.
This transparent and water resistant UV Face and Scalp Mist offers high broad-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB, Infrared A and Blue Light. With an integrated antioxidant complex, the lightweight mist delivers a non-sticky feeling on...
This ultimate daily defense sunscreen is formulated with DNA repair technology and SPF50+ for total UV protection.
