How to Apply Sunscreen: 6 Sunscreen Application Strategies
It doesn’t matter how many products are in your skincare routine: their effects are all for naught without daily sunscreen application.
As far as we’re concerned, sunscreen is the most important product in your skincare lineup. SPF safeguards your skin from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays : protecting against melanoma and preventing signs of premature skin ageing.
To get the level of protection your skin needs, it’s essential that you know how to apply sunscreen the correct way.
In this guide, we’ll be sharing our top sunscreen application tips to help defend your skin against UV damage from the blazing New Zealand sun, and how Kiehl’s products – like Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide – can help.
If you’re interested in learning more about one of the major long-term effects of UVA vs UVB rays, explore our guide to hyperpigmentation next.
Why is daily sunscreen application important?
As Kiwis, we’re no strangers to sun exposure. Aotearoa has some of the highest UV levels in the world, particularly during summer, where the UV index can climb up to 12 or even surpass 13 in the far north1.
While UVB rays are more intense in summer, UVA rays are a little more insidious because they’re present even when the sun isn’t out, as well as through windows and cloud cover. This is why sunscreen application is non-negotiable all year round.
1https://niwa.co.nz/atmosphere/uv-and-ozone/uv-index-information
How to apply sunscreen: 6 SPF application tips to protect your skin
There’s more to sunscreen application than meets the eye. From choosing a formula with strong UV defence to how much to apply and when, there are several key factors to consider for your sunscreen needs.
To take the guesswork out of SPF application, we’ve curated six expert sunscreen tips to help shield your skin every day.
1. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF
As we touched on above, it’s important to safeguard your skin not just from UVB rays (the “burning” rays), but UVA rays (the “ageing” rays) as well. To do this, you’ll need to seek out a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF – this will give you that full scope of protection.
New Zealanders should look for a minimum of SPF30+ for protection against Aotearoa’s intense sun2. Kiehl’s Ultra-Light Daily Facial Sunscreen UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ offers high SPF 50 PA++++ protection against UVA and UVB rays. The formula is also enriched with antioxidants baicalin and vitamin E to help neutralise the free radicals that also contribute to visible signs of ageing.
2. Apply sunscreen every day
Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days or summer afternoons in the park. Even when you don’t think you’re at risk of sun damage, UV rays can still reach your skin.
UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, and reflective surfaces like snow, ice, water, sand, concrete, and pavement can increase your risk of sunburn. So, even when it isn’t overly sunny – if you’re spending all day in an office full of windows – you should still be applying SPF.
3. Use the right amount
Part of learning how to apply sunscreen is knowing how mucto apply. The New Zealand Cancer Society recommends approximately seven teaspoons’ worth of sunscreen for full body coverage, which includes one teaspoon for your face2.
We know that traditional sunscreens can feel heavy or greasy, which is why Kiehl’s prioritises lightweight, comfortable formulas that don’t compromise on sun protection. The Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide is a sunscreen-serum hybrid that protects against harmful UV damage, boosts radiance, and settles seamlessly into skin.
4. Let your sunscreen sink in before applying makeup products
Many people make the mistake of applying makeup primer or cosmetics directly over their sunscreen without letting it set in first – which can dilute its SPF.
After moisturiser, apply sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine. Then, try to wait at least five minutes before any cosmetic products. This will give your sunscreen enough time to absorb into the skin. Sunscreen application should also come at least twenty minutes before sun exposure to ensure you’re fully protected.
5. Re-apply often
Sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done product, and you’ll need to reapply throughout the day to keep your skin protected – especially since UV levels tend to peak in the middle of the day to the early afternoon.
Whether you’re at the beach, exercising outside, or simply running some errands, you’re bound to sweat or wipe off some of your sunscreen. As a general guide for sunscreen reapplication, be sure to reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying your body.
6. Don't forget to wear sunscreen in winter
Keep in mind that sun protection is recommended any time the UV index reaches or exceeds three, which can happen in the upper North Island, or at high altitudes and snowy areas3 – even in winter.
As for other parts of the country, UVA rays are a constant throughout the year, regardless of the season. Remember, sunscreen isn’t just a part of your summer routine. Instead, you should treat sunscreen application as the first port of call in your skincare routine – until it becomes second nature!
3https://niwa.co.nz/sites/default/files/McKenzie_UV%20Workshop_2014_Introduction.pdf
We know it’s vital to continue wearing sunscreen in winter – but how else can you look after your skin in the cooler months? Our guide to caring for dry skin in winter has the answer.
