It is important to understand how to apply sunscreen step by step in order to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation and prevent long-term damage. Whether chemical (filters that absorb UV rays) or mineral (filters that reflect UV rays), sunscreen starts to break down when it’s exposed to sunlight, so generally you want to be reapplying it every two hours and immediately after any activity that would make it wear off sooner, such as swimming or exercising.
Don't apply just in the summer
You’ve no doubt heard it countless times, but here it is again: Sunscreen is essential all year round. That’s because UVA rays (the ones responsible for aging your skin, skin cancer and long-term damage) are ever present and strong, capable of penetrating clouds and glass. But with UVB rays being stronger during the summer (especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) and the ones that cause burns, you definitely don’t want to get caught without sunscreen. Depending on how fair you are, you can burn in as little as five minutes if you’re not protected.
Know when and how to apply
As a rule of thumb, use a sunscreen
of at least SPF 30
(SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and indicates how well it protects against UVB compared to your bare skin)
and make it your last step in your skincare routine but before your makeup. Allow your sunscreen to settle before
you put your makeup on. Wait 15 to 20 minutes before heading out to ensure that your SPF will be effective.
Use at
least a teaspoon for the face to get the maximum protection, and make sure you spread it out evenly beyond the
middle of the face. Areas like the top of the forehead near the hairline, the jawline and the sides of the cheeks
and neck tend to get neglected in terms of adequate coverage. And don’t forget your neck and décolleté.
To apply SPF over makeup, put a teaspoon on the back of your hand and, using a makeup sponge, lightly dab it on in dots all over your face and blend it in small areas. Makeup-wise, stick to liquid or cream rather than powder products; it will make blending seamless and avoid caking.
By the way, it’s not advised to rely exclusively on foundation with SPF. Typically, people do not apply enough to get sufficient protection, but you can definitely layer one on top of your SPF if you like. And pop your sunscreen—even a travel-size one—into your handbag. Seeing it will remind you to do touch-ups.
Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type
Look for the best sunscreen that suits your
skin type. An ideal sunscreen for combination to oily skin is La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Dry Touch SPF 60 Facial
Sunscreen. It’s a non-sticky gel cream that provides a matte finish.
If you have dry skin, look for a sunscreen or SPF moisturizer that adds hydration without feeling heavy. Toleriane Sensitive UV Face Cream SPF 30 combines daily broad-spectrum sun protection with up to 48 hours of hydration. Alternatively, apply your usual moisturizer first and follow with Anthelios Ultra-Fluid SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen as the final step of your skincare routine.
For sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen is an ultra-light, fragrance-free and oil-free option that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is suitable for sensitive skin.
If you prefer a tinted option, try one of the best mineral sunscreens: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Fluid SPF 50 facial sunscreen will even out your skin tone and, even better, blend well over your makeup when it’s time for a top-up.
Apply sunscreen on your body
When it comes to applying sunscreen on your body, you should apply the equivalent of a shot glass to all your exposed areas. As mentioned earlier, when you’re swimming or sweating, you need to reapply immediately. Otherwise, you can do it after two hours. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid SPF 50+ Body Sunscreen is an ultra-light, oil-free formula that’s easy to reapply thanks to its non-sticky finish.
Don't forget to reapply
Applying sunscreen correctly in the morning is only the first step. When you’re outdoors, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours to maintain protection. Reapply sooner after swimming, sweating or towel-drying, even when using a water-resistant formula.
For the face, gently reapply an even layer over exposed skin; if you’re wearing makeup, pressing or dabbing a fluid sunscreen onto the skin can help minimize disruption. Remember to reapply sunscreen to commonly missed areas too, including the ears, neck, hairline or even your feet.
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