The Right Way to Apply Sunscreen: Protecting Your Skin from UV Damage

The Purpose of Sunscreen: Shielding Your Skin

The primary purpose of sunscreen is to “protect the skin from harm.”Prolonged sun exposure without any protection leads to sunburn, causing inflammation similar to a “burn.” Sunburn also dries the skin, leading to spots and dullness. Therefore, sunscreen is an essential product for skin protection. Correct sunscreen application and thorough sun protection are crucial for effectively safeguarding your skin from UV damage. Here’s how to apply sunscreen correctly to maximize its effectiveness.

Sunscreen Application Steps

・Complete your skincare routine: Ensure your skin is adequately moisturized before applying sunscreen.

・Apply evenly: Spread sunscreen evenly across your entire face, avoiding any gaps.

・Mind the amount: Applying too much at once can lead to uneven coverage.
   Dispense an appropriate amount onto your palm.

・Gentle application: Gently spread the sunscreen across a large area, avoiding rubbing to ensure even distribution.

Face Application Method and Order

Apply face sunscreen before makeup base.

• 1. Dispense an appropriate amount onto your palm and dot it on five points: both cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin.
• 2. Starting from larger areas like the cheeks and forehead, gently spread outward. For the forehead, apply upwards towards the hairline. Avoid rubbing your skin.
• 3. Use your fingertips to carefully apply around the eyes, corners of the mouth, and other delicate areas.
• 4. After applying evenly to the entire face, repeat steps 1 and 2 for a second application (double application prevents uneven coverage; for makeup application, a single layer suffices).

Finally, lightly press with a sponge to enhance adhesion to the skin and remove excess oil for better results. Avoid rubbing and use a gentle patting motion.

Neck Application Method

Dispense an adequate amount onto your palm and apply from the collarbone upwards towards the chin. Don’t forget the back of the neck, behind the ears, and the chest area. Apply along the skin’s texture, avoiding stretching areas prone to wrinkles. Tilt your head up when applying to the front of the neck and down for the back to ensure even coverage and avoid missing spots.

Body Application Method

For body application, the “strip method” is recommended. Imagine squeezing sunscreen directly onto your skin from the container in strips. Avoid rubbing and use circular motions to spread it over a large area for better results. Don’t forget areas like the inner elbows, behind the knees, and the sides of your body.

Back of the Hand Application Method

Although often overlooked, the back of the hand is frequently exposed to UV rays, such as when carrying bags or driving. Therefore, it’s particularly prone to tanning. Apply from the wrist towards the fingertips using circular motions, ensuring even coverage and avoiding gaps.

Points to Note When Applying Sunscreen

To maximize the effectiveness of sunscreen, it’s important to be aware of the correct amount and application technique.

The Right Amount of Sunscreen

When using sunscreen, follow the recommended amount on the product. Since this varies depending on the product, refer to the product packaging or instructions. Here are general guidelines:

Cream type: About 1-1.5 pearl sizes
Milk type: About the size of a dollar coin
Gel type: About the size of a two-dollar coin
Lotion type: About 2 pearl sizes
Spray type: Spray several times onto the palm (spray onto the palm first before applying to the face, avoiding direct spraying)

Mastering these application techniques ensures you receive the best protection from your sunscreen.

Application Techniques for Areas Prone to Tanning and Rubbing

Apply a thicker layer to areas prone to tanning, such as the forehead and cheekbones, as well as areas prone to rubbing off from masks, such as the chin, hairline, cheeks, and bridge of the nose. A thicker application enhances sun protection, helping to prevent spots and wrinkles.

Easily Missed Areas

Even with careful application, some areas are easily overlooked. Ensure thorough coverage of these spots, such as the hairline, ears, and neck. Also, don’t forget to protect your lips with a lip balm that offers SPF protection.
Properly covering these areas ensures comprehensive protection against UV damage.

Sunscreen is Necessary Year-Round, Indoors, and Even During Winter!

UV rays are present throughout the year, not just during the strong summer sun. Even in winter, you might think, “The sun isn’t strong, so I won’t get tanned,” but prolonged UV exposure can still cause skin issues like spots and wrinkles.
Moreover, UV rays can penetrate through glass windows, so sun protection is crucial even indoors. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen daily, regardless of the season or your location.

Reapplication is Key to Sun Protection!

Even the highest SPF and most waterproof sunscreens lose effectiveness over time due to sweat, sebum, and other factors. Regular reapplication is essential to maintain effective sun protection. Aim to reapply every 2-3 hours, whether you’ve been sweating or not.

How to Reapply Sunscreen When Wearing Makeup?

Reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours is essential for maintaining sun protection, even with makeup on. To do this effectively:

  1. Prepare Your Skin:
     Gently pat your skin with a towel or tissue to remove excess sweat and sebum. This helps the sunscreen adhere better.

  2. Touch Up Makeup:
     Use a cotton pad soaked in lotion or emulsion to lightly remove makeup in areas where you’ll reapply sunscreen.
     This prevents the sunscreen from mixing with old makeup and ensures better coverage.

  3. Apply Sunscreen:
     Reapply sunscreen using a powder sunscreen or a spray for convenience.
     Gently press it into the skin with a clean sponge to blend and set the sunscreen without disrupting your makeup.

Following these steps helps maintain effective sun protection and keeps your makeup looking fresh.

Don’ts: Incorrect Sunscreen Application Methods

For optimal sun protection, it’s crucial to use sunscreen correctly. Avoid these common mistakes that can diminish its effectiveness:

Incorrect Application Method	Reason
Applying directly onto dry skin without proper moisturization	Dry skin can cause uneven sunscreen application and may lead to excessive sebum production, which can make makeup wear off more quickly.
Applying right before heading out	Sunscreen needs approximately 15-30 minutes to be absorbed and activated. Applying it 30 minutes before going outside ensures maximum sun protection.
Reducing the amount or applying too thinly	Sunscreen has a recommended amount to be effective. Using less or applying too thinly reduces its sun-blocking capabilities, leaving your skin unprotected.
Rubbing between palms before application	Rubbing between palms before applying to the face with an enveloping motion can result in uneven coverage and missed spots.
Using sunscreen opened last year	Once exposed to air, sunscreen can deteriorate even when stored in its container. This can cause uneven application and affect its effectiveness.

Conclusion

This article covered the proper method, amount, and common mistakes in sunscreen application. Remember, while sunscreen is crucial, it alone isn't enough for complete sun protection. Combine it with daily skincare routines like moisturizing and other sun protection measures to truly safeguard your skin's health.