Using sunscreen properly:
how, when & how much to apply
Using sunscreen properly:
how, when & how much to apply
When you apply sunscreen, the most important thing to think about is how well your skin is covered. You want to make sure any exposed skin has a good, even layer of sunscreen. Unprotected skin is exposed to UV radiation, which can lead to sun‑induced damage and other complications.
So, how do you get the maximum protection from your sunscreen? Let’s start with four simple steps on how to properly apply sunscreen.
How to apply
sunscreen
First things first, give your sunscreen bottle a good shake before you use it. This helps to break up any clumping that might happen when the sunscreen has been stored for a longer time.
Fully cover all areas of exposed skin and don't forget your ears, neck or the backs of your hands – these spots are often missed. Instead of squeezing all the sunscreen into your palm at once, apply smaller, evenly spaced dots over your skin so that it spreads more thoroughly and works more effectively.
When you apply sunscreen to your face, gently tap it in instead of rubbing. This helps you avoid irritation and gives you a more even, comfortable application.
Take extra care when you're applying sunscreen around your eyes. If you can, choose a stick sunscreen here – it lets you apply a thin, controlled layer and helps to minimise the risk of any eye irritation.
When you're using sunscreen on your face, go for a dedicated face sunscreen. These are specially formulated to be gentler, help avoid irritation and are usually lighter in texture, so they sit better on your skin and are less visible.
How much sunscreen
should you use?
It's recommended that you use around 30 ml – just a little more than a standard shot glass.
You might also be wondering how much sunscreen to use on your face. A handy rule of thumb is to use a squirt of sunscreen about the size of a 1‑inch circle and, as mentioned, tap it in instead of rubbing it all over.
Now that you know how much sunscreen to apply, you might be thinking about when and how often you should be putting it on.
At the very least, you should apply sunscreen every day – even when it's cloudy. That's why it's a great idea to include SPF in your daily skincare routine, for example by using a moisturiser with SPF. Once you build this habit, you'll automatically be giving your skin a layer of protection every day.
That said, a single application in the morning isn't enough – so how often should you reapply sunscreen?
Try to reapply at least every two hours, and also immediately after swimming or after you sweat a lot, because both can break down the sunscreen you've already put on.
It's important to remember that even if you're good at applying sunscreen before stepping out, most sun damage happens later in the day once that first layer starts to weaken – so keep topping up your sunscreen throughout the day.
Should you apply sunscreen
every day?
You should apply sunscreen every day whenever your skin is exposed to the sun. The sun’s harmful UV rays are always around, so to lower the risk of skin damage, make it a habit to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body.
Putting it on your face is especially important: “Your face is exposed to the sun every day, even if it’s cloudy or cold. Therefore, it needs special, reliable protection against UVA and UVB rays,” explains Beiersdorf’s Dr. Göddertz.
Earlier, it was usually recommended that you apply sunscreen 20–30 minutes before going out in the sun so that it had enough time to absorb. These days, most sunscreens start working immediately. This can still vary from product to product, so always follow the instructions on the packaging. What really matters, though, is that you renew your application at least every two hours.
What goes first,
sunscreen or moisturizer?
“Apply your facial sunscreen after your day care to protect your sensitive facial skin from signs of premature ageing like wrinkles or pigment spots,” advises Beiersdorf’s Dr. Göddertz.
You might have heard suggestions that the type of UV filter in your sunscreen should decide whether you put it on before or after your moisturiser. Dr. Göddertz does not recommend this. Instead, she suggests that no matter which UV filters are used in your sun product, you should always apply it after your moisturiser.
Why should you apply sunscreen
before makeup?
Because makeup creates a kind of barrier on your skin, sunscreen may not be able to absorb well enough if you put it on top. Just like you apply a moisturiser before makeup so that the nourishing ingredients sit closest to your skin, you also want your sunscreen layer on first so it can protect your skin properly.
When you apply sunscreen before makeup, let your skin dry for at least 5 minutes first. This helps with maximum absorption.
Of course, reapplying sunscreen during the day (which you should!) can disturb your makeup. One easy trick is to dab a makeup sponge into a small pool of sunscreen and then gently press it over your face.
By dabbing instead of rubbing, you avoid smudging your makeup. Choosing a lighter sunscreen can also help reduce smudging, but as always, it’s most important to pick the sunscreen that gives you the best protection.
Yes, you can, but it's better not to rely on it as a complete substitute. Moisturisers are specially designed to hydrate your skin, while this is only an extra – not the main – benefit of sunscreen, so your skin might not get the moisture it really needs.
It also depends on whether your sunscreen is formulated for a specific skin type. For example, a sunscreen made for oily skin will usually feel lighter, so in that case it's still a good idea to use a moisturiser as well to make sure your skin stays properly hydrated.
How to apply sunscreen
on your own back?
The simplest solution is to ask someone else to apply it for you – but of course, that's not always possible. So, what can you do then?
Unfortunately, there isn't a super easy way to do this on your own with a regular sunscreen, but here are two practical ideas you can try:
Take a flannel or soft cloth, wrap it around a long spoon (or if you're at the beach, even a small shovel), dab sunscreen onto the fabric and then use it to rub the sunscreen over your back. If you don't have anything like a long spoon or small shovel nearby, there's another hack you can try…
Pull out about a metre of cling film and place five or more dollops of sunscreen in the middle. Hold the cling film, place it across your back as if you're drying yourself with a towel and move it around, rubbing the film where you can, to spread the sunscreen evenly.
Of course, we know you might not always have cling film or a long spoon with you, especially at the beach. So there has to be an easier option, right?
NIVEA offers a range of mist spray sunscreens that are designed to make this much easier. Unlike traditional sun creams, these fine mists don't need rubbing in because the spray is light enough to absorb on its own – all you really need is a reflective surface so you can check your coverage.
The NIVEA SUN Protect & Dry Touch Refreshing Mist SPF 50 is a great choice because it's 100% transparent, feels refreshing and is water‑resistant. Even then, we’d still suggest you reapply after getting wet, just to stay extra safe.
If you're using a spray, make sure you spray generously, especially if you can't check your back in a mirror or any reflective surface. If you're not sure what “apply liberally” really means, just imagine the absolute minimum you would need to cover all exposed skin with a clearly visible layer of sunscreen – then go a bit beyond that, and you'll be closer to the right amount.
Should you use sunscreen
everyday?
Because we often leave our skin exposed for several hours a day, it can easily get damaged by constant UV radiation. This may show up as premature ageing, such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
The NIVEA SUN UV Face Specialist Triple Protect Sun Fluid SPF 50+ is an excellent option for daily use. It not only offers SPF 50+ protection, but its ultra‑light formula with Hyaluron absorbs immediately. This makes it ideal for wearing under makeup too, as it is sweat‑resistant and helps maintain a smooth, healthy‑looking complexion.
If you're still a bit unsure, explore the NIVEA SUN range to find the protection that feels just right for you.
