We all know that using sunscreen daily is necessary to protect our skin from the harmful sun rays which can cause cancer and premature aging. But the way sunscreen is applied is very important too as it impacts its effectiveness: only if you do it right you will get maximum protection. Here’s how:
Apply plenty
One of the biggest mistakes people make when using sunscreen is not applying enough. The recommended amount of sunscreen to use for an average person is an ounce (30ml) to cover the entire body. If you apply less, then your sunscreen won’t give you sufficient protection from the UV rays.
Apply all over the body
Sunscreen should be applied to all the areas of the body exposed to the sun, including those often-forgotten areas like ears, the back of knees, feet and nose. And don’t forget to use a lipbalm or lipstick with SPF on the lips.
Let it sink in
After application, let the sunscreen sink in for about half an hour before going out in the sun.
Reapply often:
Sunscreen contains special molecules that absorb UV rays, but these wear out over time, reducing the level of protection. In addition, sweating, swimming and also drying with towels can remove sunscreen from the skin’s surface. For these reasons, labels on sunscreen state to reapply “frequently”. But how frequently? Expert recommend to apply sunscreen every two hours. Sunscreen should also be applied just after swimming, sweating and drying with a towel.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
After reading this post, I’ve realized how WRONG I have been in terms of sunscreen application. One of the reasons why i dont really fancy applying sunscreen is due to its oily texture. I know it’s harmful to my skin, but I just havent found the right suncreen with affordable price. Plus I;m not comfortable with layering too many products onto my face.
Thanks Gio, your blog has been so informative. =) No wonder it’s called ‘beautiful with brain’. =)
I think I am not applying enough! thanks for the post!!! super helpful
An oz is about the size of a shot glass and if you apply enough, a bottle of sunscreen should last only around a week to 10 days. I obviously do not apply enough sunscreen as well.
Hanna: thanks a lot hun! Finding the perfect sunscreen is hard. I prefer physical ones but they tend to leave a white cast on skin. But still, alwats better be protected. If you’re not comfortable with using a sunscreen on your face, you can try a moisturizer or foundation with SPF in it.
Nikki: you’re welcome!
Dao: I know, it’s a shame sunscreens don’t last long if you us enough, kinda puts you off a bit. It’s not good for our wallets, but our skin will thank us if we protect it well.
OMG, i never applied tht on ears.. :0 i guess i need to start doing that right away! or less my ears will age sooner than my face..
bt really nice n informative post. another mistake which i do is, i dnt reapply it at all. 
Shruti, I’m glad you found this post useful. Ears are such an overlooked place to apply sunscreen. I always skipped that bit when I was younger lol but am more careful now. I don’t think reapplication is that necessary in winter (unless you live somewhere where it’s hot and sunny in winter too) butu in summer is a must.
yep, right. by the way, i made sure to apply it on my ears too while going to college.
Shruti, that’s great.