How to use sunscreen every day

What should the label say?

Look for broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. Broad spectrum means protection against UVA and UVB, the two types of ultraviolet rays that damage skin. SPF mainly measures protection against UVB, which causes sunburn. On UK sunscreens, look for at least four stars for UVA protection; a UVA circle also indicates protection meeting the EU standard.234

How to apply sunscreen before going out

1. 1Start with dry skin and follow the application directions on your sunscreen. Apply 15 minutes before going outdoors. For a longer outing with a risk of burning, NHS advice is to apply twice: 30 minutes before leaving and again just before leaving.
2. 2Apply enough for even coverage. Use at least one teaspoon for your face. For full body coverage, an average adult needs about one ounce, roughly a shot glass; larger bodies can need more.
3. 3Cover every exposed area, including your neck, ears, hands, tops of feet, hairline and exposed scalp. Ask someone to help with hard to reach areas such as your back.
4. 4Use an SPF 30 or higher lip balm or lipstick for your lips. Keep ordinary sunscreen away from your eyes and mouth.

When should you reapply?

Reapply generously every two hours while outdoors, and straight after swimming, towel drying, sweating or rubbing sunscreen off. Water resistant sunscreen is not waterproof. Its label states whether its tested water resistance lasts 40 or 80 minutes during swimming or sweating. A higher SPF does not extend the reapplication interval. Moisturizers and cosmetics containing SPF still need reapplication when you are outdoors.134

Do you need sunscreen when it is cloudy?

Cloudy and cool days still bring UV exposure, because weather forecasts are not sunscreen labels. Sun protection matters throughout the year, not just in summer. Check your local UV index: at 3 or higher, protect your skin from excessive exposure. UVA can also pass through window glass, so being indoors beside a sunny window does not block all UV rays.15

Shade, clothing and sunscreen work together, so the bottle does not get the entire job description. Wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses, and seek shade when sunlight is strongest. Water, sand and snow reflect UV rays and increase exposure. Sunscreen should not be a reason to stay in the sun longer.245

Which sunscreen is easier to use daily?

The best format is one you will use repeatedly, rather than one that becomes a permanent bathroom ornament. Creams suit dry skin; gels suit oily skin and hairy areas. For sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. A tinted sunscreen with iron oxide adds protection against visible light that can worsen dark spots. Never spray sunscreen directly onto your face or inhale the spray.123

Keep the sunscreen usable

Keep the container away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Replace expired sunscreen. If there is no expiration date, discard it three years after purchase; discard it sooner if you do not know its age. On UK products, check the open jar symbol for how many months the sunscreen lasts after opening.34

For babies under six months, prioritize shade and protective clothing, and ask a doctor before using sunscreen. If you get sunburned, stay out of the sun until redness has gone. Seek medical help if you feel unwell or your skin swells badly or blisters.34

How many people wear sunscreen every day?

In a 2020 US survey, 12.3% of adult men and 29.0% of adult women said they always used sunscreen when outside for more than one hour on a sunny day. Those figures describe longer sunny outings, not daily sunscreen use.6