How To Apply Sunscreen Correctly

Dos of Sunscreen

 1. Choose the right sunscreen

Learning how to apply sunscreen correctly begins with choosing the right formula for your skin type. If you have oily skin, choose a lightweight, comfortable, and oil-free sunscreen. UV Serum Sunscreens with SPF 50+ PA++++, work best. Serum sunscreens often boast a weightless formula that gets absorbed without leaving a white cast.

On the other hand, if you have dry skin, choose a moisturising sunscreen to hydrate your skin. We recommend using vitamin C serum creams with SPF 40/PA +++. It is a perfect sunscreen to hydrate your skin and protect it from sun damage. Infused with vitamin C, this moisturising cream brightens your skin and gives you a blemish-free tone in no time.

Lastly, if you’re not the one to compromise on glam, you must learn how to apply sunscreen correctly over makeup. Choose a lightweight mist sunscreens that can be sprayed on. Look for protective mists that blend into your makeup without any white cast. Strong formulas, such as SPF 50+ PA++++, are another addition that will protect your skin from sun damage.

2.  Apply sunscreen every day

Learning to apply sunscreen correctly is all about regularity. Using sunscreen only on some days and not on others is a deal breaker. Sun protection should be a part of your daily skincare routine, even when it’s overcast or raining. Apply at least three fingers of sunscreen 15-20 minutes before you step outside and reapply it every 2 hours.

3.  Use enough sunscreen

Use plenty of sunscreen to cover your entire face and body. This is an important tip while learning to apply sunscreen correctly. Here’s how you can determine how much sunscreen is enough – take three fingers and draw a thick line of sunscreen on each one. That is a good measure of how much sunscreen you should use on your entire face and neck. Ensure you massage the product in your skin until it gets absorbed. If you’re using a sunscreen spray, hold it a few inches away and spray it on, till you cover your face and neck.

4. Re-application is key

It is advised to re-apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours to give your skin sun protection all day long. Learning how to apply sunscreen correctly isn’t a one-step job for the mornings. Especially if you spend a large amount of time outdoors. Sunscreen can also get washed away while swimming or sweating. Even a water-resistant sunscreen can last only for up to 80 minutes in the water. Ensure that you’re reapplying your sunscreen every few hours to keep your face shielded.

5. Look for the right ingredients

Try looking for sunscreens with ingredients that help you battle oxidative stress. Your skin undergoes oxidative stress every time there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. This is why sunscreens that are infused with antioxidants, like vitamin C, are ideal for your skin. Sunscreens with vitamin C can also help you deal with issues like dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity.

6.  Wear sun-protective clothing

While you’re learning how to apply sunscreen, you can also invest in sun-protective clothing that can help to protect your skin by blocking UV radiation. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, caps or hats and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun.

Don'ts of Sunscreen

1. Don't use expired sunscreen

Sunscreens lose effectiveness with time. So, always check the expiration date before applying it. Make sure you’re reapplying your sunscreen every few hours and investing in products that suit your skin type.

2. Don't use too little sunscreen

You’d wish you had known this while learning how to apply sunscreen correctly. Using little or insufficient sunscreen can reduce its effectiveness. Make sure to use enough sunscreen to cover your entire face. And don’t just cover your face, apply it on and behind your ears and neck as well. The 3-finger rule is a good practice to follow when it comes to sun protection.

3. Don’t use the same sunscreen for the face and body

Your face is much more sensitive than your body. The ingredients that suit the rest of your body may or may not suit your facial skin. Hence, it’s better to use different sunscreens for your face and body. Follow this tip to apply sunscreen correctly and avoid any damage to your skin.

4. Don't assume all sunscreens are the same

Not all sunscreens are the same. Serum sunscreens, sunscreen sprays, SPF creams, and UV creams, all have a specific purpose in your skincare routine. Make sure you understand your skin type and needs before learning to apply sunscreen correctly. Make sure that all your sun protection products provide broad-spectrum protection, which means they block both UVA and UVB rays, along with Long-range UV.

Conclusion

While you’re following these dos and don'ts of sunscreen, avoid going out in the sun during peak hours or carry a hat with you. It's also crucial to note that only learning to apply sunscreen correctly will not help if your lifestyle and skincare are a mess. Make sure you follow good skin practices like staying hydrated, eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and following a routine religiously. Along with these, it never hurts to carry sunscreen or a lightweight SPF serum handy to refresh your sun shield now and then.

After becoming well-versed in how to apply sunscreen correctly, it’s time for you to invest in a good sunscreen that suits your skin. Browse through the wide range of skincare products and skincare tips by Garnier to pair them with your sunscreen, and flaunt healthy, glowing skin.