When & How to Apply Sunscreen in Your Routine

When to Apply Sunscreen

First off, you need to wear sunscreen every day. 365 days of the year. Don’t go without it (unless you live in a basement 24/7).

So when’s the best point in your routine to apply sunscreen? Right after you clean your skin? Before or after moisturizer? Below or over makeup?

It depends on what type of sunscreen you are using.

Let’s say you use a dedicated sunscreen and it is a cream or lotion. Here are some general guidelines:

• If you wear a separate moisturizer, allow some time for it to dry (5 min) before applying sunscreen. You’ll get a more even coating that way.

• If you do NOT wear makeup (e.g. foundation or powder), apply the sunscreen LAST. Let it be the final layer on your skin.

• If you wear makeup AND a separate sunscreen, apply the sunscreen BEFORE your first layer of makeup (e.g. the primer or foundation).

If you use a sunscreen powder, brush it on after everything else. It should be the final layer on your skin. Sunscreen powders are made of minerals, and those minerals should form the outermost layer.

If you use a sunscreen spray, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Apply sunscreen at least 15-20 minutes before going outside. Re-apply every 2 hours, or more frequently if you are sweating from physical activity or swimming.

How to Apply Sunscreen on Your Face

Be liberal about how much you use. Most of us don’t use enough. When you don’t use enough, you don’t achieve the maximum coverage for the intended period of time. One teaspoon (1 tsp) is a rough approximation for the face. A few tablespoons (shot glass) for the body.

For a Physical Sunscreen (cream or lotion)

Non-Nano Mineral Sunscreen

Don’t rub it in like moisturizer. Apply a layer as if you were icing a cake. Use long, even strokes with one finger. The finger is your spatula! I recommend the middle finger, as it has the largest surface area and is the longest digit, which will give you more control. The idea behind using one finger is to help you create a smooth ‘canvas’ and ensure no areas on the face are missed.

Put more product on your finger when you run out. Do this as frequently as you need to. It takes more time to apply this way, but you’ll get a better outcome.

The goal is to create an even protective veil over your skin. Spreading it on like icing forces you to apply more sunscreen. (Not only do we not apply enough, it comes off easily too.)

Don’t stint on amount. Sunscreen is the one product where you don’t want to cut corners.

Nano Mineral Sunscreen 

Nano mineral sunscreens are meant to be rubbed in, like a moisturizer. They absorb easily right into skin and don’t leave a white tint.

Follow the same guidance for Chemical Sunscreens below.

For a Chemical Sunscreen (cream or lotion)

Rub it in like moisturizer but not too much. Don’t try to make it completely invisible. Like with physical sunscreens, you want to make sure you put on enough. The less you have on, the less protection you get. So, be generous with the amount.

You can use however many fingers you wish, but I don’t recommend you use more than three fingers (unless you are in a serious rush). It wastes product — a little bit inevitably ends up absorbing into your fingers, which is product you could use for your face. Try to keep it to one or two fingers.

Sunscreen Application Tips

Be sure to cover every area of the face (except not too close to the eyes). Commons areas that people miss are: around the mouth, the hairline, and the jawline.

Also apply to your neck and decollete (if it’s exposed). A telltale sign of sun damage is heavy pigmentation and spots on the decollete. This is sometimes due to perfume that is sprayed there. Synthetic fragrance can cause photosensitivity. If you wear perfume, take extra care to protect your neck & decollete.

My Secret – I apply extra sunscreen on my nasolabial folds, the eleven’s area between my eyebrows, and right below my eyes (from the inner corners to the outer corners). These areas are more vulnerable to collagen degradation and are typically the first areas to show signs of aging.