Protect Your Skin: How to Apply Sunscreen on Your Face

Woman appying face sunscreen | how to apply sunscreen on the face

Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, as it helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays that can cause damage, aging, and even skin cancer. However, simply applying sunscreen is not enough - it is crucial to apply it correctly to ensure proper protection. When it comes to applying sunscreen to the face, there are some important tips and techniques to keep in mind. In this article, we will explore the best ways to apply sunscreen on the face, to help you stay protected and keep your skin healthy.

What is SPF in sunscreen?

The acronym "SPF" stands for "Sun Protection Factor", and it is used to gauge the level of UVB protection offered by a sun protection product.
Sunscreens are available in different SPF levels, such as SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 50, and others, and the level of SPF determines the extent of protection against UVB radiation.
For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen can filter out around 93% of UVB radiation, while SPF 30 can block roughly 97%, and SPF 50 can keep out almost 98% of UVB radiation.
To put it differently, using sunscreen with an SPF of 50 means that it would take you 50 times longer to experience sunburn than if you didn't use any sunscreen at all.
A higher SPF rating can prevent more harmful UVB rays from penetrating the skin than a lower SPF rating, resulting in more excellent sun protection and reduced skin damage.

When to apply sunscreen before or after moisturiser?

Typically, it is recommended to apply sunscreen as the last step of your skincare regimen. This is because sun protection products contain specific protective ingredients, and applying them over your moisturizer can help to shield your skin from harmful rays. Therefore, to be more precise, sunscreen should be applied after moisturizer.

How much sunscreen to apply on the face?

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields against both UVA and UVB rays is one of the most effective methods for safeguarding the skin. In addition, a 2016 study found a correlation between a history of severe sunburn and an increased likelihood of developing skin cancer in the future. Therefore, protecting the skin with the right sunscreen is critical to reducing the risk of skin damage and cancer.

To achieve proper protection, it's crucial to know the appropriate amount of sunscreen to apply to your face and body, as using too much or too little can be ineffective. Although the quantity of sunscreen needed may vary based on individual factors, it's essential to ensure complete and uniform application on all exposed areas of the body and face for optimal coverage. Therefore, the key is to apply sunscreen thoroughly and evenly to all areas that need protection.

Benefits of wearing sunscreen at night

Applying sunscreen on your body and face is extremely important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn and premature aging, regardless of the weather conditions. It's recommended to wear sunscreen even when staying at home, as we are still exposed to UV rays emitted by electronic devices.

Some of the benefits of wearing sunscreen at night are:

Helps prevent skin cancer
Reduces the risk of skin damage
Protects against photodamage caused by UV radiation
Shields against indoor UV rays emitted from electronic devices
Prevents melasma, a condition that causes dark patches on the skin.

Take Away

Applying sunscreen on your face is an important step in your daily skincare routine. Not only does it protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but it also helps to prevent premature aging and skin damage. When applying sunscreen, make sure to use the appropriate amount and apply it thoroughly and evenly across your face. Remember to reapply throughout the day and even at night, as we are still exposed to UV rays from our devices. By incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, you can keep your skin healthy and protected for years to come.

FAQs

Which SPF sunscreen is best?

The best SPF sunscreen for you will depend on your skin type, how long you plan to spend in the sun, and the UV index in your area. As a general guideline, it is recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applied generously and re-applied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

When to apply sunscreen in makeup?

Sunscreen should be applied as the last step in your skincare routine, after moisturizer and before makeup. It's important to wait a few minutes for the sunscreen to fully absorb into your skin before applying makeup to ensure maximum protection.

When to apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be applied at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the protective ingredients to fully bind to your skin. Re-apply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. It's also important to re-apply sunscreen after towelling off or rubbing your skin, even if it hasn't been two hours yet.

References

Exactly How Much Sunscreen Should You Use on Your Face? - Healthline
All About Sunscreen - Skin cancer foundation
History of Severe Sunburn and Risk of Skin Cancer Among Women and Men in 2 Prospective Cohort Studies - NCBI

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