Skin Care

How To Use Sunscreen Correctly?

Sunscreen or moisturiser – what goes on first? “Am I applying the sunscreen properly?” Or is there any specific way to apply sunscreen? These questions may have crossed your mind, especially if you are a beginner in the world of skincare. Trust us! We all have been there! Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in our skincare that shields us from harmful UV rays, sunburns, premature skin ageing, and more! Be it walking outside on a cloudy day or sitting in your car, you can’t practically think of stepping out without wearing sunscreen. While using sunscreen is important, applying it correctly is equally important. Hence, to help you reap the maximum benefits, we’re here with this guide on how to use sunscreen on the face, lips, and body correctly. In fact, in this detailed guide, we will also discuss the uses of sunscreen, the correct order of applying it on the face, how frequently you should apply sunscreen for optimal protection, and more! So, stick to the end and learn how to use sunscreen on the face, lips, and body.

Uses of sunscreen

Before you learn how to use sunscreen on the face, it is essential to know the various uses of sunscreen, especially if you are a newbie in skincare.

  • Sunscreens are used to 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.
  • One of the primary uses of sunscreen includes preventing pre-mature skin ageing, i.e., early onset of the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
  • Other uses of sunscreen include 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 Apply Sunscreen on the Face Daily

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use sunscreen on the face, lips, and body:

Step 1: Kick-start your skincare routine with a cleansed face. Use a cleanser that suits your skin type.

Step 2: Now, move on to apply products with the thinnest consistency to improve product absorbability into the skin. 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: This step should focus on moisturising your skin. Pick a moisturiser as per your skin needs and type and nourish your skin thoroughly.

Step 4: How to apply sunscreen on the face daily, you ask? Take the required amount of sunscreen on your palm. Now, spread the product all over your face, neck, and areas that will get sun exposure.

Step 5: Rub sunscreen into the skin thoroughly. In case the product comes into contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Step 6: Use SPF-infused lip balm and sunscreen or SPF-infused body lotion to protect your lips and body respectively.

Step 7: 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.

Step 8: Wait for a few minutes before applying makeup. You should apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading outside.

Now that you know how to use sunscreen on the face, lips, and body, you can keep sun-induced skin damage at bay.

How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply to your Skin?

Knowing how to apply sunscreen on the face daily 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.

How Frequently Should You Apply Sunscreen on your Skin?

You have got the answers to how to apply sunscreen on the face daily, right? Now, let’s move to the next question - how frequently should you apply sunscreen to get complete sun protection? Here’s the answer:

  • Experts recommend applying sunscreen daily, even if it is cloudy.
  • After applying the first round of sunscreen while finishing your AM skincare, try to reapply it after 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 your sunscreen partner easily).

L’Oréal Paris UV Defender range consists of a wide assortment of sunscreen with SPF 50+ PA++++ broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, and Long-Range UV.

{ "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "WebPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": ["speakable-content"] }, "url": "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/skin-care-blogs/how-to-use-sunscreen" } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (event) { const element = document.getElementsByClassName('oap_hairdiagStart_divbtn'); if (element.length > 0) { let urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search); if (urlParams != "" || urlParams != null) { var keyValuepairs = urlParams.toString().split('&'); var qrUtmfound = 0; keyValuepairs.forEach(function (item, index) { if (item === "utm_source=pos" || item === "utm_medium=qrcode") { qrUtmfound++; } }); if (qrUtmfound == 2) { let relocHref = document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").getAttribute("href"); let relocUpdatedurl = relocHref + window.location.search; document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").setAttribute("href", relocUpdatedurl); } } } });

Shop the Products

Skip the : Shop Product 1

We hope, we have answered your queries regarding what are the benefits of using sunscreen, how to use sunscreen on the face, and more. Read the above-mentioned steps and details carefully to give your skin optimal sun protection. Need help with your skincare routine? Head towards the L’Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool, sign up for a virtual skin diagnosis, and get personalised skincare regimens approved by the International Board of Dermatologists at L'Oréal Paris.

{ "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "WebPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": ["speakable-content"] }, "url": "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/skin-care-blogs/how-to-use-sunscreen" } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (event) { const element = document.getElementsByClassName('oap_hairdiagStart_divbtn'); if (element.length > 0) { let urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search); if (urlParams != "" || urlParams != null) { var keyValuepairs = urlParams.toString().split('&'); var qrUtmfound = 0; keyValuepairs.forEach(function (item, index) { if (item === "utm_source=pos" || item === "utm_medium=qrcode") { qrUtmfound++; } }); if (qrUtmfound == 2) { let relocHref = document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").getAttribute("href"); let relocUpdatedurl = relocHref + window.location.search; document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").setAttribute("href", relocUpdatedurl); } } } });
{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "subjectOf": { "@type": "ItemList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 1, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/skin-care-blogs/how-to-apply-sunscreen-with-makeup-on-without-smudging-it", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"How To Apply Sunscreen With Makeup On Without Smudging It", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/in/articles/banners/how-to-apply-sunscreen-over-makeup.jpg?rev=afb3fa30fa78423eaa68bbef3fe0a408", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2024-05-28T10:02:17+00:00", "dateModified": "2024-05-28T10:47:44+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=043a5893295a412fb46ec561cbd31147", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"<p>Sunscreen is an essential and non-negotiable part of any and every skincare routine. Even when you&rsquo;re applying makeup, it&rsquo;s essential to prep your skin well and ensure that your skin is protected from the sun&rsquo;s harmful UV rays. To be precise, you should apply sunscreen after moisturiser and before applying makeup. However, we also know that pairing the two, i.e. your sunscreen with other makeup products, can sometimes be tricky. While it&rsquo;s still easier to apply sunscreen before makeup, reapplying it over makeup can be a daunting task. Wondering, how to apply sunscreen with makeup on? Well, you have come to the right place! In this article, we&rsquo;ll share with you how to reapply sunscreen over makeup without smudging the base or contour. We&rsquo;re here to help solve this query for you. So, read on as we discuss how to apply sunscreen with makeup on.</p>" } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 2, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/skin-care-blogs/spf-and-different-types-of-spf-sunscreen", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"spf and different types of spf sunscreen", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/in/articles/banners/spf-15-spf-20-spf-30-or-spf-50-what-is-the-difference-how-to-choose-the-right-sunscreen-for-you-new.jpg?rev=8be77a38d8d94cda8a3d07dba4e3fedc", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2024-05-29T05:42:07+00:00", "dateModified": "2024-05-29T06:31:56+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=043a5893295a412fb46ec561cbd31147", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"<p>When it comes to skincare, the first thing that comes to most of our minds is the CTM routine &ndash; Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturising. However, there&rsquo;s another step that is equally integral and non-negotiable &ndash; sunscreen. Whether you&rsquo;re stepping out or staying indoors, applying sunscreen is crucial. However, selecting sunscreen can be tricky, especially if you&rsquo;re not aware of what is SPF or what the different numbers next to them mean. For instance, you will find multiple options available like sunscreen SPF 50, SPF 30, SPF 20, and even SPF 15. But what do these numbers mean? And how is sunscreen SPF 50 different from SPF 30 or 15? Let&rsquo;s find out. In this article, we will discuss what is SPF, types of SPF, best SPF sunscreen, and more! Stay tuned and be an SPF pro!</p>" } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 3, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/skin-care-blogs/identify-the-different-types-of-sunscreen-and-choose-the-right-one", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"Identify The Different Types Of Sunscreen And Choose The Right One", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/in/articles/banners/sunscreen-101-learn-about-different-types-of-sunscreen.jpg?rev=0236910b02114c70ab03cc0bc2817352", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2024-05-29T06:33:14+00:00", "dateModified": "2024-05-29T06:48:38+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=043a5893295a412fb46ec561cbd31147", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"<p>With the summer season at its peak, most of us will now begin scouring for the perfect <a href="https://www.lorealparis.co.in/skin-care/sunscreen" style="color: #e32646; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e32646; text-decoration: none;">sunscreen</a>. One that does it all - keep us oil-free, prevent sun-induced damages like sunburn &amp; age-spots, and remain resistant through the day. But how do you find the &lsquo;best sunscreen&rsquo; that caters effectively to all your needs? And how do you learn to navigate through the different types of sunscreens out there? This blog will break down everything you need to know about effective sun protection to help you find the ideal sunscreens for Indian skin.</p>" } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 4, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/skin-care-blogs/sunscreens-decoded", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"Sunscreens, Decoded", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/in/articles/banners/sunscreens-decoded-hero.jpg?rev=32f980e46e474162bf698164be2abebb", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2024-06-06T10:29:47+00:00", "dateModified": "2024-06-06T12:18:58+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=043a5893295a412fb46ec561cbd31147", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"<p>Be it summers or winters, sunny or raining, indoors or outdoors; <a href="https://www.lorealparis.co.in/skin-care/sunscreen" style="color: #e32646; border-bottom: 1px dotted #e32646; text-decoration: none;">sunscreen</a> is a product that you simply cannot ignore. Whether you&rsquo;re stepping out for work or brunch, you really can&rsquo;t avoid getting exposed to the sun. While basking in the sun is good, exposure to the harmful UV rays and sun damage is not! This is why you need a potent sunscreen so that you can do all the outdoorsy things with confidence, knowing that your skin is optimally protected. Sun protection keeps you shrouded from the damaging effects of the UVA and UVB rays that may lead to ageing, dark spots, tanning, pigmentation, and even serious skin diseases. Daily exposure to these rays without the support of sunscreens can subject your skin to this aftermath, which is often difficult to reverse. So, no matter where you live or the nature of your lifestyle, knowing everything about sunscreens cannot hurt. Dive into this comprehensive guide to figure out everything sunscreens can do for you and how to pick the right one that can protect your skin.<br /> <br /> But first, let&rsquo;s understand what is sunscreen, and how can this small habit keep us shielded from the threats of UV.</p>" } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 5, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/skin-care-blogs/swimming-surfing-skiing---which-sunscreen-should-i-use", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"Swimming, Surfing, Skiing - Which Sunscreen Should I Use", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/in/articles/banners/swimming-surfing-skiing---which-sunscreen-should-i-use.jpg?rev=043026e336084011b6b1745e396e62b7", "height":675, "width":1500 }, "datePublished": "2024-05-30T13:35:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2024-05-30T13:44:05+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=043a5893295a412fb46ec561cbd31147", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"<p>Nothing can beat the rush we get from outdoor activities in the summer. We mean, look at the activities like swimming, surfing, and skiing; how can anyone say no to either of these activities. While they all happen to be exhilarating outdoor activities that expose you to the sun's harmful rays and their effects. Having said that, this hindrance should not stop us from living our best summers. All we need to do is find the perfect SPF for swimming, a great surfer&rsquo;s sunblock, and the best sunscreen for skiing, and you&rsquo;re all set to enjoy this summer like never before!<br /> <br /> Even better, we have broken down everything you need to look for to only experience the goodness of outdoors. Read on to find out the perfect sun protection for every activity and skip to the good part.</p>" } ] } }
{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "@id": "/", "name": "Home" } } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "@id": "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine", "name": "Beauty Magazine" } } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "@id": "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/skin-care-blogs", "name": "Skin Care Blogs - L'Oréal Paris Beauty Magazine" } } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 4, "item": { "@id": "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/skin-care-blogs/how-to-use-sunscreen", "name": "how-to-use-sunscreen" } } ] }