Choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher and, for sweat or water, water-resistant, as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends. Then pick the one you will actually wear every day. Apply enough, before going outside, and reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
What the label terms mean
- Broad-spectrum: tested to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- SPF: a measure of protection mainly against UVB (the rays behind sunburn). Higher numbers give more protection, but no sunscreen blocks everything.
- Water-resistant (40 or 80 minutes): how long the sunscreen stays effective while swimming or sweating, according to testing. No sunscreen is waterproof.
Mineral vs chemical filters
- Mineral (physical) filters: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Often suggested for sensitive skin. Can leave a white cast, though newer formulas are much sheerer.
- Chemical (organic) filters: such as avobenzone, homosalate and octocrylene. Often lighter and more transparent.
Both types can protect well. The best choice is the one you’ll apply generously every day.
How much to apply
Most people use too little. The AAD says most adults need about 1 ounce, roughly a shot glass, to cover skin not covered by clothing, and at least 1 teaspoon for the face, about the length of your index and middle fingers. Don’t forget your neck, ears and the tops of your feet. How much of each product you need.
When to apply and reapply
- Apply before going outside. The AAD notes it takes about 15 minutes for skin to absorb sunscreen.
- Reapply every two hours outdoors, and immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Wear it on cloudy days and in winter too. UV reaches you whenever you’re outside.
Where it goes in your routine
Sunscreen is the last skincare step in the morning, after moisturizer and before makeup. The order to apply skincare in · Skincare before makeup.
Moisturizers and makeup with SPF
A moisturizer labeled with SPF can be your sunscreen if you apply enough of it. Most people don’t apply enough foundation or powder to get the SPF on the label, so treat SPF makeup as a bonus. Moisturizers without an SPF, including all of ours, provide no sun protection.
Choosing by skin type
- Dry skin: creamier textures.
- Oily skin: gels, fluids or “matte” finishes.
- Sensitive skin: fragrance-free, often mineral. What fragrance-free means.
- Deeper skin tones: sheer or tinted formulas to avoid a white cast.
Sunscreen and retinol
If you use retinol, daily sunscreen is part of the instructions. Retinol basics.
Beyond sunscreen
Shade, hats, sunglasses and protective clothing add protection, especially in the middle of the day.
Storage
Check the expiration date, and don’t leave sunscreen in a hot car. Does skincare expire?
Further reading: American Academy of Dermatology: How to apply sunscreen · FDA: Shelf life and expiration dating of cosmetics
We don’t make a sunscreen. Our formulas go underneath it: 004 Vitamin C Serum, then 001 Copper Peptide Cream, then your sunscreen.
Photography: Dolunay laylay / Unsplash. Editorial photograph.