How to Reapply Sunscreen

By now, you probably know the basic rules of wearing sunscreen. In case you need a refresher, here goes: According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily—in addition to taking other sun protection measures. These include limiting your time in the sun (especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which are considered the sun’s peak hours), wear clothing and accessories—such as long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses to cover any exposed areas, and reapply sunscreen at least every two hours or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Phew. Now that we got that out of the way, we can get down to business. Today, we’re here to chat with you about how to reapply sunscreen in particular, since this is something you should be doing throughout the day!

Sunscreen Reapplication Tip #1: Start By Picking the Right Product

Before we can even explain how to reapply sunscreen, we’ve got to start at the beginning with your first application. Like we told you, you should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily. This should be the last step in your morning skin care routine before moving on to makeup. Broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays. As far as how much sunscreen you should apply, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should use an ounce (two tablespoons) for your entire body. Keep in mind that that’s about a shot glass worth of sunscreen, so don’t skimp out! When it comes to picking out a sunscreen, take your skin type into consideration. If you have oily skin, look for one that has a matte finish; if you have dry skin, look for a nourishing formula.

Sunscreen Reapplication Tip #2: Match Your Formulas

If you opt to go makeup-free, then reapplying sunscreen won’t be all that difficult. But if you decide that you do want to wear makeup, it can get a little tricky. For starters, it’s a good idea to match your formulas. That means if you’re using a liquid sunscreen, you should also use liquid or cream makeup. This will help to keep your look seamless and not cakey. Try to keep things light. For example, consider swapping out foundation for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream, like the L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream. The fewer makeup products you put on your face, the easier reapplying sunscreen will be down the line. You can always amp up the drama by transitioning your look from day to night once the sun goes down.

Sunscreen Reapplication Tip #4: Keep Your Bottle Handy

It can be easy to forget to reapply sunscreen—so, make sure you put the bottle in your bag before heading out for the day. You may even want to set a reminder on your phone so that you know exactly when you’re due to reapply. Finally, you might also want to consider stocking up on a few travel-sized sunscreens, especially if you’re carrying a small purse without a lot of extra space. That way you don’t have to worry about your sunscreen taking up valuable real estate.

Sunscreen Reapplication Tip #5: Remember to Take Other Sun Protection Measures

We know, we sound like a broken record—but this stuff’s worth repeating! When it comes to sun protection, applying—and reapplying sunscreen—aren’t the only steps you should take. Remember to limit your amount of time in the sun, seek shade, and wear clothes and accessories that cover up any exposed areas.

Congrats! You now know how to apply and reapply sunscreen like a pro. Want to make more smart sun choices this summer? Read our article, 6 Skin Care Hacks to Help You Stay Sun Safe This Summer, for a few easy tips that you can incorporate into your skin care routine during the warm weather season.