Sunscreen 101 : Part 1 : Part 2 : Part 3 Next » UV Filters Chart
Sunscreen 101
Part 1: Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens
Part 2: What to Look for in a Good Sunscreen
Part 3: Wear Sunscreen the Right Way
Part 3: Wear Sunscreen the Right Way
Believe it or not, most people do not use sunscreen the right way and aren’t even aware of it! If you don't wear sunscreen correctly, you reduce its effectiveness and ability to guard you against the sun.
Follow these steps to learn how to wear sunscreen the right way for maximum sun protection:
1) Sunscreen goes on after moisturizer (wait 30 min) and before makeup. Some people say that sunscreen works best on bare skin (that way it can bond with the skin and offer better protection) but that’s not very necessary in my opinion. Whatever you do, do not mix sunscreen with your moisturizer because that could ruin its effectiveness.
2) If you are using a chemical sunscreen, it's best to wait 30 minutes after applying before going outside so the filters have time to form a protective layer on your skin. You don't have to wait for all-physical sunscreens.
3) Apply 1/4 teaspoon of sunscreen on your whole face to ensure adequate coverage. (1/4 teaspoon is about the size of a nickel.) For your face and neck, 1/2 teaspoon will suffice. If you don't apply enough sunscreen, it won't form a good enough layer on your skin and you won't get enough protection.
4) Pat on sunscreen instead of rubbing it in. This will reduce irritation and also ensure that the sunscreen is applied evenly all over.
5) Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if it is an unstable sunscreen. You may or may not have to reapply a sunscreen that is stable, but it is best to do so if you are outdoors for long hours, sweat a lot, or go swimming. I also like to reapply my sunscreen after using paper blotters because the oils on my face can cause some sunscreen to be removed during blotting sessions.
Besides applying sunscreen properly, it is important to keep these things in mind:
1) Wear sunscreen every day, even on rainy days or on days you stay indoors, because UV rays still penetrate through clouds and windows.
2) Wear sunscreen every day, especially if you use exfoliating products (ex. prescription retinoids, glycolic acid) and/or if you’re taking antibiotics because all of these products can cause photosensitivity. My friend’s mom didn’t stay out of the sun and didn’t wear sunscreen when she was on antibiotics and ended up getting white blotches on her chest that are still there today! So be careful!
3) Virtually all UV filters are oil soluble, which means they are not removed by water. To completely remove sunscreen, it’s best to use an oil-based cleanser (milky/cream type cleansers or cleansing oils).
4) Wear sunscreen not only on your face, but also on your neck and hands (places that show signs of aging the fastest). I think it's also a good idea to wear sunscreen on any bare body parts that will be exposed to the sun.
For more questions or concerns about sunscreen, check out the Skin FAQ.
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