Today, we’re going to discuss how to apply sunscreen properly to your face. Most people don’t use enough sunscreen or apply it correctly.
To achieve the SPF coverage that is listed on the bottle, you have to apply enough sunscreen and have it absorb into the skin to be effective.
According to most dermatologists, people aren’t applying enough for it to be effective at all.
They’re actually doing more damage to their skin with a little protection versus no protection. This is due to the fact that they think they’re protected.
If you think that sunscreen is protecting your face, you’ll spend more time in the sun. The sun can damage your skin in just 15 minutes. Imagine if you spend hours in the sun thinking that you’re protected.
That’s a lot of skin damage that you’ve tried so hard to avoid.
Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Your Face
You should be using sunscreen on your face whether you plan on spending the day at the beach or not. Incidental sun is in your face throughout the day.
Walking to your car before and after work. Spending time walking outdoors. Driving in your car. These are all activities where you don’t think about sunscreen.
It’s best to find a sunscreen that works on the face without being too greasy. Some of the best sunscreens are built into lotions that you can apply under your makeup.
They might be tinted or have green tea and antioxidants for healthier skin. Whatever kind you choose, make sure it’s part of your daily makeup routine.
In fact, some women like to apply minimal makeup, so they’ll use a tinted sunscreen for sun protection and to minimize sun damage.
Careful Application
Squeeze a large dollop into the palm of your hand and spread that around your entire face. You’ll be completely white at first, but it’s important that you see exactly where you’re applying the product.
Once you have a thin coating on your face, you can start to rub it into the skin. It’ll be absorbed evenly instead of rubbing in one area before moving on to applying more. With a thin coating, you can see exactly where it’s been applied.
Pay special attention to the skin around the eyes without using it on the eyelids. Dab with your fingertips or use a cotton swab to bring the sunscreen to the outer corners of the eyes where wrinkles can start.
Don’t forget to use the lotion all the way to your hairline. The skin there can be exposed and get burned as well as the rest of the face.
Most people avoid the hairline because they don’t want to get sunscreen in their hair. It’s important to get as far into the hairline as possible. The skin is still exposed even though it’s covered with some hair.
If you’re planning on using a spray to protect your body from the sun, spray it into your hands before applying to the face. It’s never a good idea to spray sunscreen directly into your face.
Lips and Ears
Many people forget to apply sunscreen to their lips when they’re applying sunscreen at all. The lips are very sensitive and can get burnt in the sun. If they’re able to burn, that means they’re exposed to sun rays that damage.
Some people don’t love how sunscreen feels on their lips. If that’s a problem, purchase a separate lip balm that has sunscreen in it. Apply it liberally throughout the day as needed.
When applying the lotion to your face, don’t forget the tops of the ears. If you have short hair or tuck your hair behind your ears frequently, the tops will be exposed to the sun.
Men have been known to get skin cancer on their ears due to constant sun exposure throughout their lives.
Neck and Tops of the Hands
Another area that should be covered is the neck and tops of your hands. When you’re applying sunscreen to your face, it makes sense to cover areas that will see more sun throughout the day.
The backs of the hands are especially vulnerable when you’re driving.
Your neck and chest need to be protected, too. Even if you’re wearing a shirt that doesn’t expose much of your chest, you’ll want to protect the area above your cleavage to ensure that you don’t get premature wrinkles.
Dips in the material could expose you to the sun.
Conclusion
When applying sunscreen to the face, make sure to use enough. Apply a generous layer to the skin before rubbing it into the skin.
To get the protection advertised with the SPF number, you’ll need enough of the product.
Always use sunscreen on all exposed areas of the body every single day. It only takes 15 minutes in the sun to see damage over time.
