How to Reapply Sunscreen Effectively

Spring has arrived, bringing with it extended daylight hours and the perfect opportunity to soak up the sun's warmth! But hold on just a second before you slather on that sunscreen and dive into the sun-soaked daydream. While sunscreen is often hailed as our knight in shining armour against the wrath of UV radiation, there’s a sneaky detail many of us tend to overlook – the all-important act of reapplication. Simply slapping on sunscreen once and calling it a day won’t cut it. In this blog, we’ll delve into the reasons why sunscreen should be reapplied and provide you with practical tips on how to do it right. Let’s go!

Why Does Reapplication Matter?

Breakdown of UV Filters

Sunscreen contains active ingredients known as UV filters, which work to absorb or reflect UV radiation. However, these filters can degrade over time when exposed to sunlight, sweat, water, and other environmental factors. Reapplying sunscreen helps replenish these filters, ensuring continuous protection throughout the day.

Sweat and Water Resistance

While some sunscreens claim to be water-resistant, no product is completely impervious to sweat or water. Activities such as swimming, exercising, or even just being out in the hot sun can cause sunscreen to wear off. Reapplication helps to maintain its effectiveness, especially after activities that cause excessive sweating or water exposure.

Time and Sun Exposure

Sunscreen has a limited duration of effectiveness, typically ranging from 2 to 4 hours, depending on various factors such as SPF level and application thickness. Throughout the day, the sun’s intensity fluctuates, and UV radiation exposure increases. Reapplying sunscreen regularly ensures that you stay protected, regardless of the time spent outdoors.

How to Reapply Sunscreen Effectively

Follow the 2-Hour Rule

As a general guideline, aim to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating heavily or swimming.

Use Sufficient Quantity

Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen initially, let alone during reapplication. Be generous with your sunscreen application, ensuring that all exposed areas of your skin are adequately covered. A simple rule to remember is to use roughly the amount that would fill two fingers to cover your entire face.

Don’t Forget Key Areas

It’s easy to overlook certain areas of the body when reapplying sunscreen. Pay special attention to commonly missed spots like the ears and back of the neck.

Layering Over Makeup

Reapplying sunscreen over makeup might seem daunting because it could potentially remove your makeup and ruin your look. However, there's no need to fret! A lightweight sunscreen stick can come to the rescue. Before applying the sunscreen stick, blot your face with a tissue to remove any excess oil and melted makeup. Then, gently glide the sunscreen stick over your face.

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ (22g) - £25.00

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick is a holy grail sun stick that makes reapplying sunscreen a breeze, even over makeup, leaving no white cast or greasy residue. Packed with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, nourishing Ceramide, and brightening Niacinamide, it protects and nourishes your skin with every application.

Find Your Best Sunscreen

Dry Skin

HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ - £16.00

HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen is a daily chemical sunscreen acts as a skincare hero, offering maximum UV protection and packed with superstar ingredients like Black Rice Extract, Adenosine, Heartleaf, Ceramide NP, and Niacinamide to brighten and hydrate the skin while soothing redness and breakouts.

Combination to Oily Skin

PURITO Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (60ml) - £19.00

The PURITO Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen is a vegan chemical sunscreen that was formulated with input from PURITO's community. It hydrates and strengthens the skin with Panthenol and Ceramides, soothes irritation with Centella Asiatica Extract while nourishing with Tocopherol for all-day hydration and protection.

Sensitive Skin & Pregnancy-safe

AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (50ml) - £16.50

AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen is a popular lightweight mineral sunscreen that shields your skin from harmful sun rays while boasting skin-brightening, healing, and anti-ageing benefits with Mugwort Extract, Squalane, and 2% Niacinamide. It's reef safe, leaves no white-cast, stickiness, or pilling, and is allergen-free with no artificial fragrance, making it suitable for sensitive skin and pregnancy.

Normal Skin

D’ALBA Waterfull Tone-Up Cream is an award-winning sunscreen that protects, brightens, and soothes skin, with White Truffle Extract for anti-ageing benefits and Niacinamide for a more even tone. Its hydrating formula, enriched with Centella Asiatica Extract, Panthenol, and Hyaluronic Acid, leaves skin radiant and moisturised.