Welcome, sun lovers and skincare enthusiasts! 🌞 Are you ready to bask in the glow of summer while keeping your skin safe and radiant? Today, we’re diving into the essential guide on “How to Apply Sunscreen” correctly. Whether you’re planning a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or just stepping out for your daily errands, applying sunscreen is your first line of defense against harmful UV rays.
But, let’s face it, not all of us are sunscreen application pros. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Join us as we unravel the best techniques, tips, and tricks to ensure you’re not just wearing sunscreen, but wearing it right. Let’s make sure your skin stays as beautiful as the day itself. Ready to become a sunscreen savant? Let’s get started with nationalparkshops’s team!
Contents
What’s the right level of SPF to use?
Dr. Engelman recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, although SPF 30 or higher is preferred if you’ll be outdoors for extended periods. “Ensure the sunscreen is labeled ‘broad spectrum,’ meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays,” she advises.
She also suggests selecting products that bear The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, ensuring the sunscreen is both safe and effective. “Many sunscreen and cosmetic products carry our seal,” she adds.
How to apply sunscreen?
Here are five expert tips from board-certified dermatologists to help you choose, apply, and reapply sunscreen correctly:
- Pick the right sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, is water-resistant, and offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Opt for a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxide for additional protection against visible light, which helps prevent dark spots.
- Apply sunscreen in advance: For optimal protection, apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before heading outdoors. This gives your skin time to absorb the product, ensuring it’s properly protected. Waiting until you’re already in the sun can leave your skin vulnerable to burns.
- Use the right amount: To fully cover your body, most adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen — roughly the amount that would fill a shot glass. Be sure to rub it in thoroughly for full coverage.
- Cover all exposed skin: Don’t forget areas often overlooked, like your neck, face, ears, tops of your feet, and legs. For hard-to-reach places, like your back, ask someone to help or use a spray sunscreen. If you have thinning hair, protect your scalp with sunscreen or a wide-brimmed hat, and use a lip balm with SPF 30 for your lips.
- Reapply regularly: To maintain effective protection, reapply sunscreen every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating. Sunburns often occur when people forget to reapply, use insufficient amounts, or use expired products.
Remember, harmful UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days or during the winter. Whether you’re on vacation or simply enjoying a walk outside, sunscreen should be part of your daily routine. If you’re concerned about sun-damaged skin, a dermatologist can assess your skin and offer personalized advice. There’s no one better suited to help than a board-certified dermatologist.
Should you apply sunscreen every day?
It’s essential to apply sunscreen every day whenever your skin is exposed to the sun. UV rays from the sun are consistently present, so to reduce the risk of skin damage, always apply sunscreen to any areas of your body that are exposed.
Particular attention should be given to your face: “Your face is exposed to the sun daily, even on cloudy or cold days. As a result, it requires reliable protection against both UVA and UVB rays,” explains Dr. Göddertz from Beiersdorf.
>> How Often To Reapply Sunscreen: Summary of Related Questions
Why should you apply sunscreen before makeup?
Since makeup creates a layer on the skin, it can prevent sunscreen from being absorbed effectively. Just like you would apply moisturizer before makeup to ensure skin-nourishing ingredients are close to your skin, sunscreen needs to be absorbed thoroughly for maximum protection.
When applying sunscreen before makeup, allow it to sit on your skin for at least five minutes to ensure proper absorption.
Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day (which is important!) can sometimes interfere with makeup. To prevent this, try using a makeup sponge to dab sunscreen onto your face gently. By dabbing instead of rubbing, you minimize the risk of smudging your makeup. Additionally, using a lightweight sunscreen will reduce the chances of disturbing your makeup, but always prioritize the sunscreen that provides the best protection for your skin.
Conclusion
Mastering how to apply sunscreen is more than just a skincare routine, it’s a commitment to your long-term health and beauty. Remember, sunscreen isn’t a one-time miracle solution, but a daily habit that becomes as natural as brushing your teeth. Whether you’re heading to the beach, running errands, or working indoors, making sunscreen your trusted companion will pay dividends in skin health for years to come. So grab that bottle, apply with confidence, and step out knowing you’re giving your skin the care and protection it deserves.
