How often should you apply sunscreen?

How to apply sunscreen before going outside

1. 1Choose a water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection, which covers both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays.
2. 2Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure. For prolonged time in the sun, NHS advice is to apply twice: 30 minutes before leaving and again just before going out.
3. 3Cover every area not protected by clothing. Include your ears, neck, hands, tops of your feet and exposed scalp.
4. 4Use enough. Most adults need about one ounce to cover exposed skin, and more depending on body size. For the whole body, the NHS gives a guide of 6 to 8 teaspoons.
5. 5Reapply generously every two hours outdoors, following the product's directions, and sooner after water, sweat, towel drying or rubbing.

A moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher can serve as sunscreen, so two jobs do not always require two bottles. For time outdoors, choose water resistance too and keep the same reapplication schedule.4

Does water resistant sunscreen last longer?

Water resistant sunscreen is not waterproof. The label states whether protection lasts for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. Follow that limit during the activity, then reapply straight after leaving the water or towel drying. Do not wait for the usual two hour interval. A higher SPF does not extend the reapplication schedule either: SPF measures sunburn protection, not how many hours you can stay outside.23

How often should you apply sunscreen to your face?

Use the same outdoor schedule for your face: before exposure, every two hours outdoors, and again after swimming or sweating. Use at least one teaspoon for your face and rub it in thoroughly. Remember your ears and neck, and protect your lips with SPF 30 or higher lip balm. Never spray sunscreen directly onto your face; follow the application directions on the label.13

Directions differ between formats, so read the label rather than assuming every sunscreen applies the same way.3

How often should you apply sunscreen indoors?

Wear sunscreen on exposed skin indoors, especially if you work or relax near a window, because ultraviolet radiation can pass through glass. Near a window, use the usual two hour reapplication schedule. If you spend the entire day indoors away from windows, a practical interval is every four to six hours. Short periods of exposure still count because sun damage builds up over time.5

Do you need sunscreen every day?

Daily sunscreen is a useful habit, and sun exposure still happens on cloudy days and in winter. For outdoor protection, check the UV index on a weather app: use sunscreen daily when it is 3 or higher. In regions far from the equator, low winter UV levels can mean sunscreen is not needed all year. Combine sunscreen with shade, a hat and clothing that covers your skin; sunscreen does not block all ultraviolet radiation.16

When should you stop or ask a doctor?

Do not apply sunscreen to damaged or broken skin. Keep it out of your eyes, and rinse with water if it gets in. Stop using the product and ask a doctor if a rash develops. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight and ask a doctor before applying sunscreen to them.237