Skin Care

How To Use Sunscreen On Face For Maximum Sun Protection

You think you know how to apply sunscreen! After all, how hard can it be, right? Turns out, a lot of us mess up with sunscreen application without even realising it. From picking the wrong formulation, low SPF or layering it in an incorrect order in your skincare regimen, there are so many things that can prevent you from unlocking sunscreen’s true potential. Not anymore! In this guide, we will teach you how to use sunscreen on your face? When to apply sunscreen? And more.

How To Use Sunscreen On Your Face?

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable skincare step and learning how to apply and when to apply sunscreen ensures maximum protection.

Why Should You Be Applying Sunscreen?

It protects the skin from UVA/UVB rays, prevents premature ageing, reduces dark spots, and lowers the risk of sunburn, and tanning.

How to Apply Sunscreen on Your Face

Cleanse: Start with a clean face using a gentle cleanser.
Layer Skincare: Apply lightweight products like toner and serums first.
Moisturize: Choose a moisturizer suited to your skin type.
Apply Sunscreen: Use sunblock on the face, neck, ears, and exposed areas.
Protect Your Body: Apply SPF to arms, legs, and lips.

How Much Sunscreen to Apply?

Experts recommend 0.04 ounces (1.13g) for the face and 1 ounce (28g) for the body.

Additional Tips on When to Apply Sunscreen

Daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or after sweating/swimming and use broad-spectrum SPF for best protection.

Read on to learn more about how to apply sunscreen on the face!

Why Should You Be Applying Sunscreen?

Be it walking outside on a cloudy day or sitting in your car, you can’t practically think of stepping out without wearing sunscreen. That’s why learning how to apply sunscreen on your face is crucial. But first, it is essential to know the various benefits or uses of sunscreen, especially if you are a newbie in skincare.

Resists UVA & UVB rays
Prevents photoaging
Minimizes the chance of skin cancer, sunburn, suntan, and photosensitivity

Step-by-step Guide on How to Use Sunscreen on the Face

While investing in sunscreen is crucial, learning how to apply sunscreen is equally important. To reap its maximum benefits, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use sunscreen on the face:

Step 1: Choose the Right Sunscreen

Choosing the right sunscreen is equally crucial, as is learning how to apply sunscreen. Composition-wise (physical to mineral), texture-wise (serum, cream, spray sunscreen), skin type-wise (oily, dry, dull skin), SPF-wise (SPF 15, 30, 50), there are different types of sunscreen available in the market. Pick a formula based on your skin type or preference (pick brightening sunscreen, mattifying sunscreen, or dewy sunscreen) and give your skin maximum sun protection.

Step 2: Prep Your Skin

Kick-start your skincare routine with a cleansed face. Use a gentle, gel-based cleanser that suits your skin type. Now, move on to apply products with the thinnest consistency to improve product absorbability into the skin, such as serums. You should keep products with thicker textures for the later steps in your skincare routine. Apply toner or essence, face serum, eye serum, and pair with a moisturiser.

Step 3: Apply Sunscreen on Your Face

Take adequate amount of sunscreen on your fingers. Now, spread the product all over your face, neck, lips, ears, and any areas that will get sun exposure. Rub sunscreen into the skin thoroughly. In case the product comes into contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. Once you are done applying sunscreen, wait for at least 15 minutes to let the product absorb into the skin and unleash its true power. Not blending enough and stepping outside immediately after applying sunscreen can cause sun damage.

Step 4: Apply Sunscreen to Your Body

The skin on your arms and legs is prone to tanning and sun damage too. Hence, applying sunscreen is crucial on the skin that’s not protected by clothing. Use SPF-infused lip balm and sunscreen or SPF-infused body lotion to protect your lips and body, respectively. If you use spray sunscreen, shake the bottle well before using it. Hold the bottle from a distance and spray the product on the skin just like when you use a face mist. Apply generously.

Step 5: Reapply

You must reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after sweating, swimming, or engaging in any water-based activity. For best results, use a spray sunscreen over makeup for reapplication.

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How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply to Your Skin?

Now that you know how to apply sunscreen on the face, let’s move on to figuring out exactly how much sunscreen is enough to give you optimal protection from harmful UV rays. Experts recommend using .04 ounces (approx. 1.13 grams) and 1 ounce (approx. 28 grams) of sunscreen to cover the body. So, apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your face, neck, and areas that are exposed to the sun.

Note: Don’t apply sunscreen on infants (below 6 months) unless prescribed by a doctor. Keep infants away from sun exposure and wear protective clothing like hats and full-sleeve clothes (applicable for adults as well) for the best sun protection.

Additional Tips On When to Apply Sunscreen on Your Skin

You have got the answers to ‘what are the uses of sunscreen’ or ‘how to apply sunscreen on the face’, right? Now, let’s move to the next question - when to apply sunscreen to get complete sun protection?

Experts recommend applying sunscreen daily, even if it is cloudy.
How to apply sunscreen, you ask? Apply sunscreen generously and for best results, follow the two-finger rule for sunscreen application. Squeeze sunscreen on the index and middle fingers from the base to the tip. Now, start applying evenly on the face and neck.
Choose Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or higher for best results. Read our guide on What Is SPF? Decoding The Types And Best SPF Sunscreens to choose the sunscreen that suits your skin type.
Wait for a few minutes after applying sunscreen and before using makeup. This will help avoid makeup piling or patchiness.

Congratulations! With this guide, you have unlocked how to use sunscreen on the face, lips, and body, efficiently. So, go ahead and keep sun-induced skin damage at bay. Browse through the L’Oréal Paris UV Defender range that consists of a wide variety of sunscreens with SPF 50+ PA++++ for broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB.

Need help with your skincare routine? Head towards the L’Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool, sign up for a virtual skin diagnosis, and get personalized skincare regimens. For further guidance, explore our skincare blogs and let your skin shine with our best-kept skincare secrets.