Sunscreen: you realize it is best to put on it—however are you making use of it appropriately? From how a lot to make use of to the good skincare routine order, we’re breaking down all the pieces it’s good to learn about easy methods to apply sunscreen.
Whether or not you’re questioning, “Does sunscreen go on earlier than or after moisturizer?” or “Ought to I put on sunscreen daily?”—we’ve bought the solutions with the assistance of some pleasant consultants alongside the way in which. Let’s dive in.
Why it is best to put on sunscreen daily
Sure, it is best to do your finest to put on sunscreen each single day. Rain or shine. Indoors or outdoor. Even on cloudy days or whereas working close to home windows, your pores and skin is uncovered to UV rays that may trigger untimely getting old, solar spots, and even pores and skin most cancers.
And right here’s the factor: solar injury is cumulative. Every unprotected second provides up. Carrying sunscreen daily helps defend your pores and skin’s well being and look—each now and sooner or later.
Carrying sunscreen daily ends in:

Your pores and skin remembers all the pieces—defend it every day with SPF.
How a lot sunscreen to make use of in your face and physique
Some of the frequent sunscreen errors? Not utilizing sufficient. Making use of too little means your product isn’t working as successfully because it ought to.
To your face:
Use the two-finger rule: squeeze sunscreen alongside the size of your index and center fingers. That’s the beneficial quantity for full facial protection.
Additionally, bear in mind to succeed in your:
- Ears
- Neck
- Hairline
- Sides of the face
- Across the nostril and eyes
- Scalp (if uncovered)
To your physique:
To start out, goal for about 1 ounce (30 ml)—roughly the quantity that fills a shot glass. All our bodies are completely different—so use the quantity that finest covers all uncovered pores and skin areas if you’re carrying a swimsuit or summer season outfit.

Professional tip: All the time apply (and reapply) generously. Making use of lower than the beneficial quantity could decrease your safety stage.
Spray vs cream: what’s finest?
Spray physique sunscreens are handy—however provided that used appropriately.
To use spray sunscreen successfully:
- Maintain the can about 4 inches (10 cm) out of your pores and skin
- Keep away from your face to reduce inhalation
- Spray generously till a visual sheen seems
- Rub it in completely to make sure even protection
- Reapply commonly, similar to with cream formulation
Bear in mind, a fast mist isn’t sufficient. All the time rub it in!
Choosing the proper sunscreen to your pores and skin
The most effective sunscreen is one that you simply really take pleasure in carrying. Right here’s how to decide on sensible:

When to use sunscreen (and the way usually)
Apply sunscreen 15–half-hour earlier than solar publicity to present it time to settle in. Then reapply:
- No less than each 2 hours
- Instantly after swimming, sweating, or towel drying
Carry a travel-size sunscreen in your bag for on-the-go reapplication.
Sunscreen earlier than or after moisturizer?
Apply sunscreen after moisturizer. It must be the ultimate step in your morning skincare routine.
Right here’s the perfect order:
- Cleanser
- Eye cream
- Serums
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Make-up (in case you put on it)
Why this issues: Your moisturizer helps seal in hydration, whereas sunscreen kinds a protecting defend. Making use of sunscreen final ensures its UV-filtering substances can do their job correctly.
Are you able to apply make-up over sunscreen?
Completely. Simply wait quarter-hour after making use of your SPF to let it dry, then transfer on to make-up. Some sunscreens even double as primers, hydrating the pores and skin and making a easy base.
And bear in mind to reapply even if you’re carrying make-up—with just a few knowledgeable suggestions, it’s doable!
Try how Samantha Randazzo applies her (flawless) make-up after sunscreen. Her favourite factor about ISDIN Fusion Water MAGIC SPF 40? “It really works so effectively beneath my make-up.”
Defend your pores and skin, love your pores and skin
From light-weight textures to antioxidant-rich blends, there’s a sunscreen made to suit your way of life. So whether or not you’re heading to the seaside, the workplace, or simply working errands, take a second to guard your pores and skin—it remembers all the pieces.
On that observe, we’ll depart you with just a few remaining solar safety suggestions to remember:
- Reapply each 2 hours—even with excessive SPF
- Use sunscreen all 12 months spherical, not simply in summer season
- Examine the expiration date and toss any expired sunscreens
- Complement sunscreen with protecting equipment: sun shades, hats, and UPF clothes
As a result of caring to your pores and skin at present is the very best present you can provide it for the longer term.

Editorial Staff
Our namesake embodies the spirit of embracing life and all its surprise. As wellness journalists, we discover subjects that invigorate the senses and hold curiosity alive. We imagine that glowing pores and skin is the results of a wholesome physique and thoughts. Weaving magnificence with science, we goal to encourage you to reside younger at all ages.