With the summer sun heating things up, now more than ever, it is crucial to apply sunscreen every time you spend time outdoors in the sun. While sunscreen should still be applied during the fall and winter months, once the weather warms up, a person is likely to spend more time outside. Plus, the summer sun can be brutal and intense. If you leave your skin unprotected, it can cause premature aging and can increase your chances of developing skin cancer. Applying sunscreen to your face every time you go outside is crucial, mainly since your face receives a lot of sun exposure. However, there are some facial sunscreen tips you should know before you head outside.
Facial Sunscreen Tips: Applying Sunscreen to Your Face
#1. Before applying any sunscreen to your face, make sure you choose a sunscreen ideal for your face. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and is zinc-oxide-based. Otherwise, you will have a whitish-looking film plastered on your face. Also, in order to help prevent clogged pores, look for a sunscreen that is formulated for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
#2. You should always apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you head outside, but before you use it, wash your face. Makeup and oil left on your face could prevent the sunscreen from “sticking,” so wash your face and pat dry before you apply sunscreen to your face.
#3. Making sure you don’t under, or over-apply is crucial. Underapplying can leave you susceptible to sunburns, while overapplying can irritate your face and waste your money. Generally, you only need about a nickel-sized dollop to apply to your face.
#4. Don’t just apply sunscreen to your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. Applying sunscreen to the sensitive areas also needs to be done. All areas of exposed skin need extra attention, not just on your face. So don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the front and back of your neck, the top of your ears, and your chest, back, and shoulders.
#5. If you wear makeup, you can purchase a foundation that offers SPF protection from the intense summer sun. Otherwise, if you don’t have makeup with SPF protection, apply your sunscreen first, let it sink in, and then apply your makeup over the sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying sunscreen to your face every time you go outside is crucial because your face receives a lot of sun exposure, which can lead to premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Protecting your skin helps maintain its health and appearance over time.
You should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that is zinc-oxide-based to avoid a whitish film on your face. Additionally, if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, look for sunscreens formulated specifically for those skin types to prevent clogged pores.
Apply sunscreen to your face about 30 minutes before going outside. Before application, wash your face to remove makeup and oils that could prevent the sunscreen from adhering properly, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
You should apply about a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen to your face. Applying too little can leave your skin vulnerable to sunburn, while applying too much can cause irritation and waste product.
Besides your face, you should apply sunscreen to all exposed skin areas including the front and back of your neck, the tops of your ears, chest, back, and shoulders. These areas are often overlooked but also vulnerable to sun damage.
Yes, you can use foundation that contains SPF for added sun protection. If your makeup does not have SPF, apply sunscreen first, let it absorb fully, and then apply your makeup over it to ensure your skin is protected.
