how often should you reapply sunscreen?
In recent years we’ve all become much more conscious of the importance of using good quality sun protection lotions and oils in order to defend our skin against the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. But people still aren’t always sure how much sunscreen they need, and how often they should reapply it for maximum protection.
How often should you reapply your sunscreen?
The commonly known and accepted advice is that it’s best to reapply your sunscreen completely after 1 and a half to 2 hours. However, you can’t really have too much sun protection, particularly if you are spending lots of time in very direct, bright and midday sun; there’s no harm in topping up as much as possible.
Why is reapplying sunscreen important?
There are two main reasons to regularly reapply your sunscreen; to protect you from surface level burning (UVB rays) and to protect you from damaging aging at a deeper level (UVA rays). Sunburn is often a result of inadequate and infrequent application, rather than using a substandard product; a fairly basic sun cream can give you excellent protection if you use it correctly. Ensuring you have the right sun protection is especially important if you are more vulnerable to sun damage. Those more susceptible to sunburn and in some cases, skin cancer, are those who have:
- Very pale complexion
- Red hair and/or lots of freckles
- Lots of moles
- Ongoing medical conditions which affect the skin
- A family history of skin cancer
For these people, we recommend using a high SPF sun protection that is dermatologically approved like the Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Milk range.
Why you should wear sun cream every day
Applying sunscreen is the most important part of any skincare routine - and for good reason. Here are some of the most notable reasons why it's so important:
- Protection from harmful UV rays: sunscreen shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, premature ageing and an increased risk of skin damage.
- Prevention of sunspots and hyperpigmentation: sunscreen helps stop the development of dark spots and uneven skin tone caused by sun exposure.
- Anti-ageing benefits: regular use of sunscreen can slow down the signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines, by protecting the skin's collagen and elastin fibres.
Remember, make sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine to keep your skin protected and healthy.
Does a higher SPF make a difference?
The SPF factor of the sun protection product you’re using makes a huge difference to how often you will need to reapply it. Sun creams with high SPF factors generally provide you with protection against sun damage for longer. An SPF 15 sun cream will not provide effective protection for as long as one with SPF 30, so you should choose a product which suits the level of sun exposure you’re experiencing. We recommend using SPF daily, particularly SPF 30 for your face, and even on a cloudy day as the UVA & UVB rays can penetrate through clouds.
How long does sunscreen actually last on your skin?
How long your sun protection lasts will depend on what you’re up to. If you’re going for a swim, you aren’t going to be protected for long as your sunscreen is likely to either wash off or be towel-dried off. How long your sunscreen lasts will also depend on its SPF factor. Generally, If you’re wearing sun cream with SPF 50, you can expect to be protected from the sun for 50 times longer than if you weren’t using any sunscreen. The form the sun cream comes in won't impact how well it protects your skin however, so whether it’s an oil, lotion or spray, they all do the same job.
When should I reapply sunscreen more frequently?
If you’re spending lots of time in direct sunlight, rather than inside or in the shade, and if your clothes aren’t giving you much coverage. Also, making sure that you’re reapplying your sun cream frequently, every 90 minutes to 2 hours is especially important. If you’re exercising a lot, sweating can dilute sun cream and cause it to run, so you’ll need to reapply it more often if you’re playing sports or working out in hot weather or direct sunshine. If you’re sweating a lot or going swimming, you should opt for a specialist active or water resistant sun cream, but you should still reapply this regularly.
How long after applying sun cream should you wait before going outside?
It is generally recommended by dermatologists to wait at least 15 to 30 minutes after applying sunscreen before going outside. This allows the sunscreen to fully absorb into your skin and provide effective protection against the sun's harmful UV rays. During this time, the active ingredients in the sunscreen form a protective barrier on the skin, ensuring the utmost protection for your skin.
How to apply sun cream correctly
Applying sunscreen correctly is essential to maintaining your skin's vitality. Here are some quick tips for proper application:
- Start with clean, dry skin: ensure your skin is clean and dry before applying sunscreen to allow for better absorption.
- Use an adequate amount: apply a generous amount of sunscreen to cover all exposed areas of your body. A general guideline is about a shot glass full to cover the entire body.
- Apply 15-30 minutes before sun exposure: allow the sunscreen to absorb into your skin before going outside.
- Reapply regularly: reapply sunscreen every two hours if you’re swimming, sweating or towel drying. Don't forget often-neglected areas like ears, neck, hands and feet.
- Don't forget your lips and eyes: use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips, and consider wearing sunglasses with UV protection for your eyes.
For more advice on how to protect your skin this summer, take a look at our guide on how to apply sunscreen to your face.