Does Sunscreen Need to be Reaaplied (& How Often)?

If you’re only applying sunscreen once in the morning, you might be subjecting your skin to sun damage. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly for optimal protection, but how often you reapply it depends on several factors.

When to Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a daily essential, whether you’re spending extended time in the sun or not. There’s simply no reason you shouldn’t make sun protection part of your daily routine (and lots of reasons you should).

• Always apply sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine.
• Choose sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and go for a broad-spectrum formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• You can put makeup over sunscreen, just give it about 5 minutes to absorb first.
• When using chemical sunscreen (versus mineral sunscreen), apply it about 15 minutes before you head outside for optimal protection.

When applying sunscreen, use more than you think you need. One of the most common mistakes people make with sun protection is not using enough sunscreen! You need a nickel-sized amount to cover your face and neck, and about a shot glass full (1 ounce) to cover your arms, legs, and torso.

How Often to Reapply

The rule of thumb for sunscreen application is every two hours. However, there are cases where you might need to reapply sooner. If you’re actively sweating or swimming, for example, you may need to dry off and apply another layer every 40 or 80 minutes (depending on the water resistance level of the formula).

But do you really need to reapply sunscreen every two hours? Not always.

If you slather on sunscreen before leaving home in the morning and spend the day indoors, you should be fine. It’s direct exposure to UV light that breaks down sunscreen, not time. So, using a higher SPF product in the morning means you’ll have more protection left by the time you leave work.

Planning to spend your lunch break outside in the sun? Definitely put on a fresh layer. And don’t forget that UV rays can pass through glass, so if your desk is located next to a window you might want to reapply sunscreen during your mid-morning break.

What Happens If You Don’t Reapply Sunscreen?

If you don’t reapply sunscreen when spending time in the sun, you put yourself at risk for UV damage. Not only does sunscreen degrade under prolonged UV exposure, but it can rub off or wash away with water or sweat. Even if your skin doesn’t burn, it could still be damaged.

After about 8 hours of wear, an SPF 50 sunscreen can degrade to the equivalent of SPF 30. You’ll still get some protection, but not the full amount. That means your risk for premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer could be higher.

Remember, sun damage is cumulative. Even short periods of unprotected UV exposure can add up to permanent damage over time. When in doubt, it’s best to reapply your sunscreen!

Tips to Ensure Proper Sun Protection

As with all things related to skincare, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Wearing sunscreen is a simple way to prevent sun damage and premature photoaging—much simpler than trying to reverse the visible effects of it (like hyperpigmentation, for example).

• Choose sunscreen suitable for your skin type. Wearing sunscreen shouldn’t clog your pores or cause irritation. Whether you have oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, make sure the sunscreen you choose is formulated for your skin type.
• Consider a hydrating or reparative formula. Sunscreen can do more than just prevent UV damage. With the right ingredients it can restore hydration, boost barrier function, and even repair the visible signs of existing sun damage.
• Use a moisturizer that contains SPF. If you don’t want to add another product to your morning skincare routine, swap out your daily moisturizer for one with at least 30 SPF.
• Apply antioxidant serum under your sunscreen. Antioxidants boost your skin’s defenses against free radical damage, so an antioxidant serum or day cream is the perfect pairing for your preferred sunscreen.
• Get that no-makeup look with tinted sunscreen. You don’t have to choose between a flawless finish and sun protection. Tinted sunscreens blend with your skin tone to give you a natural-looking glow. If you still want to wear makeup, they make great primers.

Final Thoughts

Perhaps by now you’re realizing you need to step up your sunscreen game. If so, Exclusive Beauty Club is here to help. Not only do we offer a wide range of sun protection products for all skin types, but we make it easy to find your perfect fit.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our step-by-step skincare routines. Learn which steps to include in your daily regimen and find tailored recommendations for essentials like sunscreen, cleanser, moisturizer, and more.

And before you check out, don’t forget to sign up for Exclusive Beauty Rewards! You’ll earn points on every purchase to use as a discount on your next order.