We all know sunscreen is a must-have for sunny days, but are you sure you’re using it the right way? The question “how often to reapply sunscreen” is one that many people wonder about, and the truth is, applying it just once in the morning might not be enough to keep your skin fully protected all day.
From relaxing on the beach to running errands or staying active outdoors, reapplying sunscreen at the right intervals is essential to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best practices to ensure your skin stays healthy, protected, and glowing! Let’s find out the details with the nationalparkshops’s team!
Contents
Why reapplying sunscreen is important?
Before we find out the answer to the question “how often to reapply sunscreen”, let us tell you about the importance of reapplying sunscreen.
The most effective way to avoid UV rays is to completely stay out of the sun, but this isn’t practical since daily activities often require time outdoors. Even indoors, we’re exposed to sunlight, especially when sitting near windows. UV radiation peaks during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when most people are active.
Applying sunscreen properly throughout the day, even while indoors, can lower the long-term risk of skin cancer. It also helps minimize cosmetic effects of sun exposure, such as wrinkles and age spots.
How often to reapply sunscreen?
Reapplying sunscreen is often misunderstood, with many thinking higher SPF allows for longer intervals between applications. In reality, SPF only indicates the level of UVB protection provided, not how long it lasts on your skin.
To ensure consistent protection, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours, regardless of SPF. However, if you’re engaging in activities like swimming or sweating, this rule changes. In such cases, sunscreen should be reapplied more frequently, with a minimum interval of 80 minutes to maintain adequate protection. Regular reapplication is essential for safeguarding your skin, especially during active outdoor pursuits.
How much sunscreen do I need?
Now that you understand reapplying sunscreen is crucial for consistent sun protection, you might worry about running out quickly or spending more money. While proper reapplication means using sunscreen more frequently throughout the day, it doesn’t mean you need to apply excessive amounts each time.
So, how do you use the right amount?
- Cover your entire face and body.
- Focus on sensitive areas like the under your eyes, the tops of your ears, and the back of your neck.
- Ensure the sunscreen is fully absorbed by hand or with a brush applicator.
What happens if I don’t reapply sunscreen?
After answering the question “how often to reapply sunscreen”, do you wonder what will happen if we do not reapply sunscreen?
It’s easy to forget to reapply sunscreen, especially when you’re busy or caught up in an activity. But skipping reapplication can have painful and dangerous consequences. For example, if you spend ten hours outdoors without reapplying, sunscreen only provides two hours of protection, leaving you with eight hours of unprotected exposure. Or, if you’re surfing for four hours, you’ll have nearly three hours of exposure without SPF once the initial layer wears off. Every moment your skin isn’t protected, it’s at risk of sun damage.
The intensity of UV rays determines how quickly you burn, but sunburn can occur in just minutes. Even if redness isn’t visible, your skin is still experiencing damage. While one instance of unprotected exposure might not seem significant, sun damage accumulates over time. This repeated exposure can lead to dryness, discoloration, premature signs of aging like wrinkles, and, most critically, an increased risk of skin cancer.
Over time, these risks add up. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, using sunscreen with at least SPF 15 daily can reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by 40% and melanoma by 50%. This data underscores the importance of staying diligent about reapplying sunscreen to protect your skin and health.
How to reapply sunscreen?
No matter the type of sunscreen you use – mineral or chemical, lotion, spray, or powder—the rules for reapplying are the same as applying the initial layer. Always apply the correct amount (check your product’s instructions) and do so 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow proper absorption, as recommended by Christenson.
How to reapply sunscreen over makeup
If you wear makeup, reapplying sunscreen remains essential. Whether you use a tinted moisturizer with SPF or apply a full face of makeup, additional protection is necessary.
For those hesitant to reapply cream sunscreen over makeup, powder sunscreens are a convenient option. Available in loose, pressed, or brush-on formulations, they provide a matte finish over makeup. However, proper application is crucial to achieve full protection, and you may need to reapply powders more frequently than creams.
Many makeup products, like tinted moisturizers, BB/CC creams, or foundations, now include SPF. While this is an added benefit, Christenson advises against relying on these products alone for sun protection. “We often don’t apply moisturizer or makeup in thick enough layers for adequate coverage, and many of these products only provide SPF 15 to 30, which might not be sufficient for everyone,” she explains.
To ensure proper sun protection, reapply with a dedicated sunscreen as needed instead of relying solely on SPF-infused makeup.
Make it easier to reapply sunscreen
To make reapplying sunscreen easier, consider the following tips:
- Choose the Right Sunscreen: Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that is water-resistant. This ensures effective protection during outdoor activities, especially if you plan to swim or sweat.
- Use Spray Sunscreens: Spray sunscreens can be more convenient for reapplication, especially on hard-to-reach areas. They allow for quick and even application without the need to rub in the product extensively.
- Set a Timer: Use your phone or a watch to set reminders for reapplication every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. This helps ensure you don’t forget to reapply after the recommended duration.
- Keep Sunscreen Accessible: Carry travel-sized bottles of sunscreen in your beach bag, car, or backpack so that it’s easy to grab and reapply when needed. Having it on hand makes it less likely you’ll skip reapplication.
- Apply Before You Go Outside: Apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb properly into the skin. This is particularly important for water-resistant sunscreens, which need time to set before you enter the water.
- Use Enough Product: Ensure you are using enough sunscreen—about one ounce (the size of a shot glass) for full body coverage. Many people underapply, which can lead to inadequate protection.
- Consider Tinted Sunscreens: Tinted sunscreens can help you see where you’ve applied the product, making it easier to ensure even coverage and avoid missing spots.
- Combine with Protective Clothing: Wearing sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses can reduce the amount of sunscreen you need to apply and reapply, providing additional layers of protection against UV rays.
>> Read More: How Long to Wait to Swim after Putting On Sunscreen: Did you Know?
Conclusion
Knowing how often to reapply sunscreen is key to keeping your skin safe and healthy. By applying every two hours, or more often, you can enjoy your time in the sun without worrying about damage. Remember, a little extra effort now can help prevent bigger skin issues down the road. So, keep that sunscreen handy, and make reapplying a regular part of your routine. Your skin will thank you for it!
FAQs
What are the risks of not reapplying sunscreen?
Failing to reapply sunscreen properly and consistently leaves your skin vulnerable to harmful UVA and UVB rays, increasing the risk of sun damage. This can lead to sunburn, which results in painful, red, and hot skin that may peel. It can also cause heatstroke, making you feel dizzy and nauseous. In more severe cases, prolonged sun exposure can contribute to the development of skin cancer.
How long after applying sun cream should you wait before going outside?
Dermatologists typically recommend waiting 15 to 30 minutes after applying sunscreen before heading outdoors. This waiting period allows the sunscreen to fully absorb into your skin, ensuring it provides effective protection against harmful UV rays. During this time, the active ingredients in the sunscreen create a protective barrier, offering optimal sun defense for your skin.
What SPF strength should I use?
Sunscreen comes in various SPF levels, such as SPF 15, 30, 50, and 100. However, it’s important to clarify that the SPF level does not directly equate to the percentage of protection you get. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures the level of protection against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer. While SPF 100 may seem like the ultimate defense, the increase in UVB protection beyond SPF 15 is minimal, which is why SPF 30 or 50 are often considered the ideal choice. SPF 100 is typically not recommended as it can give you a false sense of security.
