How Often, How Much and How to Apply Your Facial Sunscreen

Hands up if you really wear it every single day of the year? Protecting your skin from pesky UVA and UVB rays is a non-negotiable, but we still get asked: How much do I apply? Where exactly does it need to go, and when do you need to top up?

We're here to untangle the confusion and make applying sunscreen easy.

First off, when you're picking a sunscreen for your face, aim for a minimum of SPF 30. Ideally, go for SPF 50 or even higher, especially if you're planning on being outdoors for a good chunk of time.

The answer is every two hours. Mists and stick formats are an easy way to apply on the go.

If you're working up a sweat or taking a dip (in the sea or the hotel pool!), It's best to reapply sooner than that. Water-resistant sunscreens aren't waterproof, so reapplying after getting out of the water is a must.

For your sunscreen to actually deliver the SPF protection it promises on the bottle (which is tested in labs using a specific amount), you need to apply roughly 0.002ml of cream per square centimetre of skin.

Now, don't worry, we're not expecting you to get the measuring tape out! For your face alone, this works out to about half a teaspoon.

It might seem like a lot, but trust us, using too little is one of the main reasons people still get caught out by the sun. And remember, this is just for your face – you'll need more for your neck, ears, and décolletage!

First and foremost, you need to apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you step outside . Don't leave it until you're already in the sun, as it needs a little time to settle and form a protective layer.

When you're applying it, the crucial thing is to be thorough and not miss any bits! There are so many areas of the face and surrounding areas that get forgotten about time and time again. We're talking the delicate eye area (under the eye, eyelids, and even the inner corner near your nose!), your ears (the tops and behind them), your neck, and even the back of your neck if it's exposed.

To make sure you cover all the bases, we recommend giving the following a go – it’s our little ESCENTUAL step-by-step guide:

1. Pop the recommended amount of sunscreen (that half a teaspoon, remember!) into the palm of your hand.
2. Dab small dots of the cream onto the following areas:
   • E – Ears (tops and backs – seriously, don't forget these!)
   • S – Sides of your face
   • C – Chin
   • E – Eyelids (be gentle here!)
   • N – Neck and Nose
   • T – Top of your head (along the hairline) and Forehead
   • U – Under your eyes and along the brow bone
   • A – All visible areas (double-check you haven't missed a spot!)
   • L – Last layer (sunscreen should generally be the final step in your skincare routine before makeup).
3. Now, gently massage the sunscreen thoroughly into your skin using upward and outward motions to get an even distribution. If you're using a mineral sunscreen, you might find using more of a patting or downward motion helps to minimise any ghostly white cast. Give it a minute to sink in before moving on to makeup, if you're wearing it.

• UVA vs. UVB: Sunscreen protects against two main types of ultraviolet (UV) rays. UVB rays are the main culprits behind sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature ageing (wrinkles, age spots) and can also play a role in skin cancer. Look for a sunscreen that offers 'broad spectrum' protection, meaning it shields you from both. You'll often see a 'UVA' seal or PA rating (like PA+++) on the packaging to indicate UVA protection.
• Sunscreen Every Day, Rain or Shine: UVA rays can penetrate clouds and even windows, so wearing sunscreen isn't just for sunny beach days. Make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, even if you're mostly indoors or it looks a bit grim outside.
• Where in Your Routine? Apply your facial sunscreen as the very last step in your skincare routine, after your moisturiser but before you apply any makeup. This ensures it can form a protective layer on the surface of your skin.
• Check the Expiry Date: Sunscreen doesn't last forever! Check the expiry date on the packaging, as expired sunscreen may not provide adequate protection.