How should you use a sunscreen product? Most of us know that we should be using an SPF, but what isn’t so clear is how to use it. From where to apply your sunscreen to whether you actually need to reapply sunscreen every two hours, we’ve answered your burning sunscreen questions and dispelled a few myths, so you have all the knowledge you need to protect skin from sun damage. In this article How to apply sunscreen How much of a sunscreen product should you apply? After applying a sunscreen, should you wait before going outside? How often should you apply sunscreen? How often should you reapply sunscreen? Is a day cream with SPF just as effective as a standard sun cream? Can you apply a product with a mineral sunscreen on top of a product with a synthetic sunscreen? Can you apply makeup over sun cream or will this decrease protection? Can you mix a tinted day cream or foundation with SPF to cover the white sheen of a mineral formula? How to apply sunscreen Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine. That means you should apply it over the top of your serum and moisturiser (if using). You can apply your makeup over the top of your SPF, we just recommend giving your sunscreen 3-5 minutes to absorb first. If you really want to protect your skin from the elements use an antioxidant-rich serum before you apply your sunscreen. This helps to shield skin from pollution and environmental damage. It may sound simple enough, but be sure to apply your sunscreen to any exposed skin. Commonly forgotten areas that may need some extra attention are the tops of your ears and the delicate skin around your eyes. To top How much of a sunscreen product should you apply? It's important that you apply your sunscreen product generously. So don’t be too sparing. If the amount applied feels too heavy on your skin, apply products with SPF in layers (e.g. a day cream, foundation and compact powder). The more skin covered by impermeable clothing, the less sun cream you will need. Clothing alone is not sufficient if you spend a long day in direct sunlight. There are companies specialised in UV protective clothing. To top After applying a sunscreen, should you wait before going outside? The best thing to do after applying a sunscreen product is to wait 15 minutes before going outside. This is a reasonable amount of time to allow the sunscreen to absorb/dry down and be sure it’s ready to provide the best possible protection. To top How often should you apply sunscreen? Sun protection products should be used every day, rain or shine, because UV rays can penetrate through clouds. Sun protection should always be the final step in your daytime skincare routine. If you apply another skincare product on top of your SPF, the sunscreen will be less effective. Use a day cream that contains other hydrating and skin-repairing ingredients as well as a sunscreen, such as the such as the Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 | PA++++. To top How often should you reapply sunscreen? You really do not have to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Sunscreens are broken down by the effects of direct exposure to daylight, not by the passage of time. During an average day – a work day, let’s say – the sunscreen you applied in the morning will still offer enough protection at the end of the day. That is, assuming you have applied enough in the morning and that you will be doing most of your daily activities or your job indoors. Take note: UV rays can pass through glass. You won't burn, but there is a risk of sun damage if you are sitting next to a window. The question of how often to apply sunscreen has a different answer if you spend the main part of your day outside. In this case we do recommend that you reapply your sunscreen every two hours, especially if you perspire a lot or go swimming. To top Is a day cream with SPF just as effective as a standard sun cream? When a product has an SPF of at least 30, it provides active protection against UVA and UVB rays and is just as effective as a standard sunscreen. A day cream usually also contains additional ingredients that are beneficial to the skin (such as antioxidants and skin-repairing substances). Antioxidants are a valuable addition to any SPF moisturiser or day cream. They help neutralise the free radical damage caused by exposure to the sun. In addition, antioxidants help protect your skin against other sources of free radicals, such as blue light from digital devices. Without intervention, this damage can trigger skin discolouration. Many antioxidants also offer skin-soothing properties (pollution leads to stressed skin). They are also used to stabilise sunscreen formulations, while also increasing their efficacy. Simply put: antioxidants boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen and ensure maximum protection, while also helping to repair the environmental damage that UV exposure triggers (and some amount of this always happens since no sunscreen is 100% effective at stopping UV damage). To top Can you apply a product with a mineral sunscreen on top of a product with a synthetic sunscreen? Mineral and synthetic sunscreen products can definitely be used on top of one another. But using one of them is usually enough, as long as you apply it liberally and make sure it offers broad spectrum protection. At Paula’s Choice all our sunscreen products offer broad spectrum protection, protecting you from both UVA and UVB rays. Layering different sunscreen products is always an option if you need to touch up your sun protection during the day or are looking to maximise coverage. To top Can you apply makeup over sun cream or will this decrease protection? Yes. While we typically recommend SPF as your last daytime step, applying makeup on top is fine if you're following these simple steps: Wait 3-5 minutes for the sun cream to set before applying foundation Apply foundation in smooth, downward motions with no rubbing back and forth Do not use excess pressure or over-blend Even better is to opt for a foundation, BB cream or tinted moisturiser that contains sunscreen too – layering is a great way to ensure maximum protection! To top Can you mix a tinted day cream or foundation with SPF to cover the white sheen of a mineral formula? In order to not dilute or destabilise the formula of your SPF and ensure you get the whole protection, it is best to layer them instead of mixing. Make sure your daytime moisturiser is rated SPF 30 or greater and apply liberally. Let it set for about 15 minutes and then follow with a foundation with SPF for added protection. To top