Using sunscreen properly:
how, when & how much to apply
Using sunscreen properly:
how, when & how much to apply
When applying sunscreen the most important thing to consider is skin coverage. You want to ensure that any exposed skin has a sufficient layer of sunscreen applied. Unprotected skin will be exposed to UV radiation, which can lead to sun induced damage and further complications.
So, how do you get the maximum protection from your sunscreen? Let's begin with four steps on how to properly apply sunscreen.
How to apply
sunscreen
First things first, you’ll want to thoroughly shake your sunscreen bottle before using it. This will help to break up any clumping that may occur when the sunscreen is stored for longer periods of time.
Fully cover all areas of exposed skin and don’t forget the ears, neck, or the back of hands - often these are missed. Rather than squirting the sunscreen into your hand in one go, apply smaller, evenly-sized dots to ensure it spreads thoroughly and effectively.
When applying to the face, gently tap the sunscreen rather than rubbing it since this will help to avoid irritation and ensure a more even application.
Take extra care when applying around the eyes. In fact, if you can, opt for a stick sunscreen as this will allow you to apply a thin layer and minimise the risk of any eye irritation.
When applying sunscreen to your face, opt for a face sunscreen as these are formulated to avoid irritation and are typically lighter, which minimise their appearance.
How much sunscreen
should you use?
It's recommended that you use at least around 30ml worth - just slightly more than a shot glass.
You may also be wondering how much sunscreen to use on your face. A good rule of thumb is to use a squirt of sunscreen around the size of a 1 inch circle and, as mentioned, tap it in instead of spreading it.
Now you know how much sunscreen to apply, you may be wondering when and how often you should apply it.
At the very least you'll want to apply sunscreen daily - even if it's cloudy. This is why it's good to include SPF in your daily skincare routine in the form of a moisturiser with SPF. By incorporating this, you will habitually apply a layer of protection every day.
With that said, one application at the start of the day isn't enough - so how often should you reapply sunscreen?
Aim to reapply at least every two hours, as well as immediately after swimming or after breaking a sweat, since both will break down any sunscreen applied beforehand.
It's important to remember that, although we may be good at applying sunscreen before heading out, most sun damage occurs later on in the day once the first application weakens - so be sure to continuously apply sunscreen all day.
Should you apply sunscreen
every day?
You should apply sunscreen every day when your skin is exposed to the sun. The sun’s harmful UV rays are always present, so to minimise the risk of skin damage, always apply sunscreen to any exposed areas of the body.
Applying it to your face is particularly important: “Your face is exposed to the sun every day even if it’s cloudy or cold. Therefore, it needs special, reliable protection against UVA and UVB rays,” explains Beiersdorf’s Dr. Göddertz.
Previously, it was recommended to apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before exposure to the sun to allow time for it to absorb. Today, most sunscreens have an Immediate effect. This may vary from sunscreen to sunscreen so always follow instructions on the packaging. What is extremely important, however, is to renew the application every two hours at least.
What goes first,
sunscreen or moisturizer?
"Apply your facial sunscreen after the day cream to protect your sensitive facial skin from signs of premature aging like wrinkles or pigment spots.” advises Beiersdorf’s Dr. Göddertz.
Some advice suggests that the type of UV filter used in your sunscreen should influence whether it is applied before or after moisturiser. This is not advised by Beiersdorf's Dr. Göddertz who suggests that independent of the UV filters used in the sun product, it should always be applied afterwards.
Why should you apply sunscreen
before makeup?
Since makeup forms a barrier on the skin, a sunscreen may struggle to absorb thoroughly enough to be effective. For the same reason that you’d apply a moisturiser before makeup, you want the skin nourishing ingredients closer to your face.
When applying sunscreen before makeup, be sure to let your skin dry for at least 5 minutes beforehand as this will ensure maximum absorption.
Of course, reapplying sunscreen throughout the day (as you should!) may affect makeup. One way of avoiding this is to dab a makeup sponge in a small pool of sunscreen and dab it over your face.
By dabbing instead of rubbing, you avoid smudging the makeup. Additionally, using a lighter sunscreen will also help to avoid smudging, but as always, it's best to opt for the sunscreen that will afford you the most protection.
Yes, although it’s better not to rely on it as a replacement. Moisturisers are specifically designed to hydrate the skin, while this is only an additional – not the main – benefit of sunscreen, so your skin might not get all the moisture it needs.
It also depends on whether your sunscreen is tailored to a particular skin type. For instance, sunscreen for oily skin tends to have a lighter texture, so you should still apply a moisturiser to ensure your skin is properly hydrated.
How to apply sunscreen
on your own back?
The easiest answer here is to have someone else apply it for you - but, we know this isn't always possible. So, what do you do in this situation?
Unfortunately, there's no easy way to do this yourself with a traditional sunscreen, but here are two potential solutions:
- Using a flannel or cloth, wrap it around a long spoon (or if you're at the beach, a small shovel!), dab the sunscreen on the fabric and then rub the sunscreen over your back. Of course, if you don't happen to have a long spoon or small shovel, there's another way…
- Pull out a metre or so of cling film and apply five or more dollops of sunscreen in the middle. Lift the cling film and apply it to your back as if you're drying yourself with a towel, making sure to rub the film where possible to ensure even coverage.
Now, we're under no illusion that you'll have a long spoon or cling film to hand, especially if you're at the beach. So there has to be an easier solution, right?
Well, NIVEA offer a range of mist spray sunscreens that are designed with ease in mind. Unlike traditional sun creams, these mist sprays don't require rubbing since the spray is fine enough to absorb by itself, so all you really need is a reflective surface to judge your coverage.
The NIVEA SUN Protect & Dry Touch Refreshing Mist SPF 50 is an ideal choice since it's 100% transparent, Refreshing, and water resistant. Although we'd recommend that you apply it again after getting wet, just to be safe.
Be sure to spray liberally, especially if you can't inspect your work on a reflective surface! If you're unsure what's meant by "apply liberally", try to imagine the absolute minimum required to cover all areas of exposed skin with a visible layer of sunscreen, and you should have your answer.
Should you use sunscreen
everyday?
Because we expose our skin to the sun for many hours a day, it can be damaged by UV radiation – and this often shows up as premature ageing, like dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
The NIVEA SUN UV Face Specialist Triple Protect Sun Fluid SPF 50+ is an excellent option. It doesn’t just offer high SPF 50 protection; its ultra-light formula with Hyaluron absorbs instantly. This makes it ideal under make-up too, as it is sweat-resistant and helps maintain a smooth, visibly healthy-looking complexion.
Still not sure? Explore the full NIVEA SUN range to find the right protection for you.