Avoid Sunburn: The Correct Way to Apply Sun Cream to Your Body

Ever meticulously applied sun cream only to find yourself burnt to a crisp by the end of the day? If you've wondered if you're really getting your sun protection right, you're certainly not alone.

We all understand the crucial importance of shielding our skin from the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays, but the uncertainty around when, how much, and how to apply it properly can unfortunately lead to preventable sun damage.

Let's untangle the guesswork and make sure you're giving your skin the best possible defence this summer.

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• We are beauty specialists with over 20 years of experience.
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Applying sun protection isn't a one-and-done job, I'm afraid! To maintain effective protection throughout the day, you need to reapply roughly every two hours. Setting a reminder on your phone can be a handy way to keep track, especially when you're enjoying yourself outdoors.

It's particularly important to reapply immediately after swimming or if you've been sweating heavily. Even if your sun cream is labelled 'water-resistant', its effectiveness can be reduced by water or sweat. Don't take the risk – reapply generously once you've dried off.

For your initial application, especially if you're using a chemical sun cream, it's best to apply it about 15 to 20 minutes before you head outside. This gives the filters time to properly absorb into your skin and form that protective barrier. Try to let it soak in for a few minutes before getting dressed to avoid it rubbing off on your clothes, which can lessen its effectiveness.

Sun damage can start surprisingly quickly once unprotected skin is exposed to daylight, so giving your skin that head start is key.

You've probably seen the instruction "apply liberally" on sun protection bottles countless times. But what does applying "liberally" actually look like in practice for your body?

As a general guideline, for adequate protection across your entire body , you should aim for roughly the amount that would fill a shot glass (around 30ml) for a single application. To break that down further, think in terms of teaspoons :

• Legs: Approximately 1 teaspoon per leg
• Arms: Approximately ½ teaspoon per arm
• Torso (front and back): Approximately 1 teaspoon each
• Face, Neck, and Ears: As advised in our facial sunscreen guide, around ½ teaspoon

The image above helps visualise this amount next to everyday items you might have with you.

It might seem like a lot, but using too little product is one of the most common reasons people still get burnt. The SPF factor on the bottle is tested using a specific amount of product (2mg per square centimetre), and applying less means you're simply not getting the stated level of protection.

Thinking about a family holiday? A family of four could easily use up a 200ml bottle in a single day if applying correctly and reapplying. This gives you a better idea of how much sun cream to pack!

Getting sun cream onto your body isn't just about slapping it on the most obvious bits. To ensure you're fully protected, a systematic approach is best. It's surprisingly easy to miss patches!

Commonly neglected areas include the tops of your feet , soles of your feet (if exposed), inbetween your toes, the back of your neck, your ears, behind the knees, and your lower back and bum. Make sure these don't get overlooked!

Here’s a simple approach for applying to your body:

1. Dispense the right amount: Squeeze out the recommended amount for each body section (using the teaspoon guide above) into your hand.
2. Dot it on: Put small dots of sun cream over the area you're about to cover (e.g., dots down your arm).
3. Massage in thoroughly: Gently massage the cream into your skin using smooth, even strokes or circular motions. Ensure the product is spread uniformly across the entire area. Don't just rub it in quickly; take a moment to see it's blended everywhere.
4. Work section by section: Start from the top (shoulders, arms) and work your way down your body (chest, abdomen, back, legs, feet). Don't forget those easy-to-miss spots like the backs of your legs and the tops of your feet!
5. Mineral vs Chemical: If you're using a mineral sun cream, you might find pressing or patting it into the skin helps to reduce any visible white cast, rather than just rubbing.

As the experts often say, if in doubt, apply more! It's always better to be over-protected than under-protected.