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.

In this article:

Why Should You Be Applying Sunscreen?

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

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

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

How to Apply Sunscreen on Your Face:

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

How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply to Your Skin?

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

When to Apply Sunscreen on Your Skin?

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

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. Sunscreens are a non-negotiable step in our skincare regimen that shields us from harmful UV rays, sunburns, premature skin ageing, and more. That’s why learning how to apply sunscreen on your face is crucial. But first, it is essential to know the various uses of sunscreen application, especially if you are a newbie in skincare.

Uses of Sunscreen
  • UV Resistance: Sunscreens safeguard the skin from the negative effects of UVA and UVB rays. The presence of active ingredients in sunscreen either reflects the radiation or soaks the sun’s UV radiation, converts it into heat, and later releases it from the skin.
  • Prevent Photoaging: One of the primary uses of sunscreen includes preventing premature skin ageing, i.e., early onset of the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps you prevent dark spots and pigmentation.
  • Skin Protection: Other uses of sunscreen include protecting your skin barrier and lowering the chance of skin cancer, sunburn, suntan, and photosensitivity (a condition where the skin becomes sensitive to sunlight and other forms of UV rays and burns easily).

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: Cleanse

Kick-start your skincare routine with a cleansed face. Use a gentle, gel-based cleanser that suits your skin type.

Step 2: Layer your Skincare

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, and eye serum.

Step 3: Moisturise

This step should focus on moisturising your skin. Pick a moisturiser as per your skin’s needs and type and nourish your skin thoroughly.

Step 4: Apply Sunscreen on your face

Take nearly adequate 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.

Shop the Products

Skip the : Shop Product 1

Step 5: Apply Sunscreen to Your Body

The skin on your arms and legs is prone to tanning and sun damage too. So, 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.

Pro Tip: Wait for a few minutes before using makeup. You should be applying sunscreen well before heading outside.

How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply to Your Skin?

Knowing how to apply sunscreen on the face isn’t enough. You must learn 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 out of the sun's rays and wear protective clothing like hats and full-sleeve clothes (applicable for adults as well) for best sun protection.

When to Apply Sunscreen on Your Skin?

You have got the answers to 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.
  • After the first round of sunscreen application during your AM skincare, try to reapply it every two hours.
  • Reapply sunscreen immediately after sweating, swimming, or engaging in any water activity.

Pro Tip: 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.

Now that you know how to use sunscreen on the face, lips, and body, you can keep sun-induced skin damage at bay. Browse through the L’Oréal Paris UV Defender range, which consists of a wide assortment of sunscreen with SPF 50+ PA++++ 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.