Yes, There Is A Right Way To Put On Sunscreen
If you’re thinking: “What? A right way to apply sunscreen? Are you high?”
Well, yes, there is! (And no, I’m not).
A gold star to you if you already slather on the SPF every day – you’re already halfway there – but while we all know why we need to wear sunscreen (hello, best defence against skin cancer, not to mention wrinkles) – there’s a bit more to applying sunscreen properly than just slapping it on and forgetting all about it.
So! What do you need to know about applying sunscreen?
Whether you’re using regular old cream/lotion or an SPF moisturiser, you’ll need around a teaspoon to cover your face and neck, and another teaspoon-ish each for your front, back and each limb, according to SunSmart.
Don’t forget your ears, neck and chest – as Zoe Foster-Blake in all her beauty wisdom taught us all, your face stops at your boobs.
If you’re using a separate sunscreen and moisturiser for your face, make your SPF the last layer. Some experts suggest layering a moisturiser with sunscreen, letting it absorb, and then applying straight sunscreen over the top.
Adding make-up? Give your sunscreen around 5 minutes to set, then go for gold. The experts at Paula’s Choice recommend using smooth, downward motions to apply (no rubbing back and forth!) and to avoid over-blending. Bonus points if your foundation/BB cream/tinted moisturiser has SPF too!
Pop your SPF on 20 minutes before you leave the house, and reapply every two hours (even if the bottle says you can leave it longer). Beach day? Don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the sea, too.
Yes – you should still apply SPF if you’re spending the day indoors! Even just a few minutes’ sun exposure (say, when you head out for your mid-morning coffee) each day can add up and contribute to damaging and ageing your skin. Plus, UVA rays can penetrate windows – all the more reason to slop on sunscreen Every. Single. Day.
Sunscreen vs SPF moisturiser: is there a clear winner?
Short answer? Nope. It’s down to personal preference.
I love a multitasker, so even though my daily go-to is a sunscreen, it’s ultra hydrating, too, so I can wear it without a moisturising layer (except that I do, because that’s dry skin for you.)
3 sunscreens to love
Whether you choose a straight-up sunscreen or a moisturiser packed with sun protection, you want to keep an eye on the SPF – aka Sun Protection Factor.
This number is a measure of how protected you are against UVB radiation: according to Sunsmart, SPF30 has been shown to filter 96.7% and SPF50 filters 98%, making both top options for helping save your skin from the sun.
A few of my personal favourites…
Clear Skincare Clinics Sunscreen – super hydrating with SPF benefits. I wear this every single day, even if I’m mostly going to be inside.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen – the perfect protective layer between moisturiser and makeup.
Salt & Stone SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick – it's tinted, has jojoba & sunflower oils and vitamin E to boost hydration, and it's reef safe – double bonus for tropical holidays!
