Using sunscreen properly: how, when & how much to apply

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

3. 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.

3. 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.

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.

This depends on whether the sunscreen is using chemical filters or mineral filters. Chemical filters should be applied first, whereas mineral filters should be applied after.

Chemical filters are active ingredients that absorb and neutralise harmful UV radiation, while mineral filters sit atop the skin’s outer layer, forming a barrier against UV rays. 

Because of this, it’s crucial that you apply mineral sunscreen after moisturiser in order to maximise its effectiveness. This will also allow the moisturiser to perform best.

If you’re using a chemical filter you’ll want to apply sunscreen before your moisturiser and makeup. This will ensure the sunscreen absorbs into the skin and performs its purpose.

If you’re unsure your sunscreen is chemical or mineral, check the packaging ingredients. If you see zinc oxide or titanium dioxide listed, then it’s a mineral sunscreen.

Now that you know when to apply sunscreen or moisturiser first, read on to find out why both types of sunscreen should be applied before make-up.

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 best not to use it as a substitute. Moisturisers are purpose made for hydrating skin, whereas this is an additional but not primary feature of sunscreen, so your skin may not receive the hydration it requires. 

It also depends on whether or not your sunscreen is formulated for a specific skin type. For example, a sunscreen formulated for oily skin will be lighter, and so you should use a moisturiser too otherwise your skin may not be sufficiently hydrated.

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.