How You Apply Sunscreen Matters, According to the Pros
EDUCATION

How You Apply Sunscreen Matters, According to the Pros

Any dermatologist will tell you it’s not just about which sunscreen you wear, but how you wear it. Our skin pros’ best tips for getting the most out of your carefully selected SPF.

Apply Evenly & Often

Don’t think of sunscreen application as a one-and-done thing. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying about a shot glass worth of sunscreen every two hours when in direct sunlight. “But again, I still think that there are situations where that's not even frequent enough,” says Orit Markowitz, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. More frequent application may be needed for those who are exercising outdoors mid-day, for example. Even when not in direct sunlight, reapplication may be needed throughout the day, so check your skin regularly and keep it covered.

Sideline Irritation

Those with melanin-rich skin may be more susceptible to irritants in sunscreen actives, says Esther Olu, a scientist and cosmetic chemist. Since darker skin tones have more hyperactive melanocytes, the cosmetic chemist suggests patch testing sunscreen before applying a full dose. “Any potential irritation can possibly trigger a reaction and result in hyperpigmentation,” she notes.

Forget Cocktailing

Mixing serums, glow-enhancers, and other skincare and makeup products into sunscreen may make sun protection easier to wear, but Olu warns that this practice also weakens the SPF’s efficacy, too, so never cocktail your protection.

Keep It Cool

Another sunscreen destabilizer? Leaving formulas in the heat (like the console of a parked car), so try keeping sunscreens in a cool place (like an insulated pouch) instead.

Achieve Makeup-Friendly Reapplication

Sunscreen powders and sprays are less likely to deliver the dense and even coverage that lotions can provide. That’s why Olu suggests using a lotion for primary application, then use sprays and powders for re-application over makeup. “Instead of spraying sunscreen directly on the skin, spray it into your hand, then [apply] it into skin for better coverage,” she says.

Pair with Antioxidants

“Applying sunscreen is only the first part of protecting your skin from the sun,” says cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline. She suggests layering sunscreen with antioxidant serums to combat sun damage. Though sunscreens formulated with antioxidants may seem like a smart twofer, Koestline says it’s difficult to formulate a stable sunscreen with enough antioxidants to make a difference, so it’s best to get free radical fighters in a standalone product instead.

Your Bag 0

Choose Your Free Gift


Select 1 free gift
You're $ 75 away from choosing your free gift.

Order total must be 75 to select gift.

Hypnotic

Sandy beige

Last Chance

Satin Cocoa

Neutral brown

Copper Shimmer

Copper gold

Recommended


Soldier image of open lip treatment balm

Current price: $22

Lip Treatment Hydrating Lip Balm

Current price: $22
Image of the Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color in Hydrangea in front of the open compact - Cream blush

Anemone

Coral

Current price: $32

Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color

Current price: $32
Image of an opened Satin Lip Color Rich Refillable Lipstick in shade Persuasive

Hypnotic

Sandy beige

Current price: $28

Satin Lip Color Rich Refillable Lipstick

Current price: $28
Travel Size Radiant Reveal Brightening Serum

Current price: $26

Travel Size Radiant Reveal Brightening Serum

Current price: $26
Rose Inc Signature Gift Set - Satin Lip Trio featuring three shades of the mini Satin Lipstick

Current price: $27

The Satin Lip Trio

Current price: $27
Brow shaping gel from Rose Inc

Current price: $26

Brow Renew Enriched Clear Shaping Gel

Current price: $26
Rose Inc Foundation Brush

Current price: $32

Number 3 Foundation Brush

Current price: $32
$0.00
Continue shopping