Getting caught out by the sun is no fun, but it can easily be avoided if you apply your sunscreen correctly.
That’s where we can help. Experts in sunscreen for sensitive skin, our step-by-step guide explains how to apply sunscreen to the face and body.
The wrong way to apply SPF
Do you know the rules for applying sunscreen? Or why it is essential to apply your sunscreen before you go out in the sun?
Common mistakes made when applying SPF include:
- Not applying enough SPF
- Applying SPF too late
- Applying SPF underneath other skin care products
- Applying SPF before your other skin care products have absorbed
What is the best way to apply sunscreen to the body?
But you don’t need to worry about that! Applying your sunscreen is easy when you know how.
STEP 1: Apply every day
UV rays can pass through cloud cover and cause damage even when the sunlight doesn’t seem that strong. To be sun-safe, apply a minimum SPF15 every day as the last step of your routine.
STEP 2: Apply sunscreen at home
The filters in your sunscreen can take up to 30 minutes to work. That’s one reason why the NHS and Cancer Research advise that if you plan to be outside for a while, you should apply sunscreen twice. The first application should be 30 minutes before you go out, and the second application should be just before you go outside[i].
Did you know: UV filters in sunscreen work differently depending on whether they are chemical or physical (mineral):
Chemical sun filters
Require about 15 to 30 minutes to absorb into the skin and become effective – they work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat.
Physical sun filters
Work immediately upon application as they form a protective barrier on the skin. They reflect and scatter UV rays rather than absorbing them.
Step 3: Apply evenly:
To get the best protection from your sun care products, apply an even layer of SPF to all exposed skin areas.
For head-to-toe sun protection, apply a 50p amount to the following areas and gently pat your sunscreen into the skin to encourage absorption.
- Head, neck and face (include the scalp if your hair is thinning)
- Left arm
- Right arm
- Upper back
- Lower back
- Upper front torso
- Lower front torso
- Left upper leg and thigh
- Right upper leg and thigh
- Left lower leg and foot
- Right lower leg and foot
This guidance applies to all sunscreens regardless of the factor that you apply. If you do not use this much, please be aware that the sun cream will not give the level of protection stated on the tube or bottle.
STEP 4: Apply often
Don’t risk sun damage by relying on sunscreen only once a day.
Sunscreen can easily rub off and won’t necessarily withstand swimming or sweating. UV filters can also lose effectiveness as the hours go by. For this reason, you should reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours and after swimming or vigorous activities.
Watch our sunscreen application tutorials
Protect like a pro when you watch our 3-step sunscreen application tutorial.
STEP 1: APPLY
Apply liberally, half an hour before sun exposure.
STEP 2: TAP
Gently tap the skin to encourage absorption. Allow the sun cream to soak into the skin before applying clothing
STEP 3: REAPPLY
Reapply before going outside and frequently throughout the day.
Enjoy easy-to-apply sun protection with our Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30. Dermatologically tested and proven to be kind to skin, its non-greasy, natural formula absorbs quickly and is suitable for all skin types.
“An easy-to-apply cream that gives one peace of mind knowing one is covered in an excellent quality natural product.” Rosemary
How to apply sunscreen to the face
Are you unsure whether to apply sunscreen before or after moisturiser?
Green People's facial sunscreens are rich in moisturising actives, meaning they can be applied to the skin without needing extra moisturiser.
However, if you have fine lines and prefer to use a moisturiser or serum with your sunscreen, your sunscreen should always be applied last.
As sunscreen's protective properties can easily be depleted, you should also wait for your serum/moisturiser to be fully absorbed before applying SPF to the face.
Protect every day with Scent Free Facial SPF30 and our 3-step facial sun cream tutorial.
STEP 1: APPLY
Apply liberally half an hour before sun exposure.
STEP 2: TAP
Gently tap the skin to encourage absorption.
STEP 3: REAPPLY
Reapply frequently throughout the day.
“Best sun cream I’ve used. Easy to apply and doesn’t leave your face greasy after”- Verified Buyer
Do you put sunscreen on over the foundation?
A daily non-negotiable, sunscreen is best applied over your make-up.
So that you don’t need to worry with an extra step, we enrich our Tinted DD Moisturisers with SPF15 giving you flawless coverage with effortless sun protection.
Find your perfect sunscreen
Take our two-minute sun cream finder quiz and discover the best SPF for your skin type, or explore our sunscreen star sellers.
We hope you have found our guide to sunscreen application helpful. For more help building your best sun care routine, head over to our SPF routine finder or contact our friendly UK customer care team on 01403 740350 or @GreenPeopleUK.
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has over 30 years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry. A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 and 2024 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty. A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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