How often to reapply sunscreen? All you need to know

how often to reapply sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by moose)
how often to reapply sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by moose)

Are you wondering how often to reapply sunscreen? You're on the right path. Spending time outdoors may be extremely beneficial to your well-being, and the beach remains a popular summer destination for families.

Saltwater is beneficial; it helps skin and muscles. Plus, beach walks and diving are great exercises. Beautiful scenes, sounds, and smells add to the enjoyment.

Nowadays, we understand the importance of effective sunscreens. These protect our skin from the sun's harmful effects. Despite this, many still wonder about the quantity and frequency of sunscreen applications to keep their skin safe. Sun damage can cause symptoms and indications of aging.


How often should you reapply sunscreen?

Early aging, sunburn, and skin cancer worry most people about the damage caused by light. Sure, being in the sun is wholesome. It's a vitamin D source. But with excessive sun exposure, beware; it can be unsafe.

A comprehensive skincare routine, which includes reapplying sun protection, can help offset the sun's harmful effects on the skin.

how often to reapply sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by rfstudio)
how often to reapply sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by rfstudio)

Applying and reapplying SPF throughout the day is essential for providing the most protection available, especially in areas with high levels of sun exposure.

It is critical to reapply sunscreen in addition to using protective clothing such as caps and long sleeves. It's also crucial to choose a sunscreen that you'll want to use over and over.

Even if you reapply sunscreen frequently, there are still certain things you may be doing incorrectly or misinterpreting about the procedure. Your enjoyment in the sun will be considerably safer if you pledge to reapply sunblock every two hours.

how often to reapply sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by armin)
how often to reapply sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by armin)

The rationale is simple: sunscreen's factor of sun protection (SPF) is only deemed effective for the first eighty minutes—two hours following application.

Sunscreen's effectiveness reduces over time owing to UV absorption and physical sunscreen loss on the skin caused by sweating, going swimming, and friction.

Remember the areas of your face, ears, toes, and legs. For difficult-to-reach regions, such as your back, seek assistance or use spray-on sunscreen.

how often to reapply sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by mikhail)
how often to reapply sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by mikhail)

If you're experiencing thinning hair, reapply sunscreen to the scalp or use a wide-brimmed hat. To safeguard your lips, use a balm with at least 30 SPF.

Any portion of the body that is open to the sun might acquire damage from the sun, such as sunburns and deeper-level concerns like loss of skin suppleness, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.


When to apply sunscreen to your skincare routine

As a general guideline, use sunscreen last in your skincare routine. SPF products are specifically developed with sun-protective components, so pouring one on your moisturizer will help block off any harmful rays.

how often to reapply sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by armin)
how often to reapply sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by armin)

So, in a nutshell, SPF is always applied after moisturizer throughout the early hours of the day. Because you do not need to worry about SPF at night, you will simply need to apply moisturizer as the final step in your process.

It is vital to wear sunscreen under your foundation to provide a barrier between the skin and the makeup.

how often to use sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by kindel)
how often to use sunscreen (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by kindel)

To achieve a perfect base, use SPF for at least a couple of minutes before applying the foundation or base. Applying makeup immediately after may dilute or interact with your sunscreen, resulting in poor UV protection.


Reapplying sunscreen is critical for keeping your skin protected. Without adequate reapplication, you risk getting unpleasant sunburns, skin damage, premature aging, and an increased chance of skin cancer. However, if you haven't been reapplying properly so far, don't worry; you will shortly.

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