How To Re-apply Sunscreen?

by Sebamed | Nov 10, 2023

Wintertime means enjoying outdoor activities, from swimming to hiking through a forest. Unfortunately, these adventures can have potentially dangerous consequences if you forget to take precautions - like proper sun protection.

Wearing sunscreen is one of the most essential things you can do to stop skin damage and minimize your risk of skin cancer. Re-applying sunscreen throughout the day ensures that it remains effective so it’s important to get into good habits when applying this critical layer of protection. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can stay safe in the sun by re-applying sunscreen effectively and why it's essential for safe winter fun!

Index [hide show]

Time it right
Prepare your skin
Reapply Liberally
Be Thorough
Don't Forget Your Lips
Check Expiration Dates
Why Is Re-applying Sunscreen Important?
Conclusion
Products Mentioned in the Blog
FAQs

Time it right

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. This is to ensure that you maintain continuous protection.
When swimming or engaging in water activities, sunscreen should be reapplied even more frequently, as water can wash away sunscreen. Reapply approximately every 40-80 minutes when in water, depending on the sunscreen's water resistance rating.
It's best to set a timer or reminder for extended sun exposure to ensure you remember to reapply.

Prepare Your Skin:

Blotting excess sweat or oil helps the sunscreen adhere better to your skin. Use a clean tissue or blotting paper to remove these before reapplication gently.
If you're wearing makeup, you can use blotting paper to remove shine without disturbing your makeup. Pat the sunscreen gently over the makeup if needed.
Sebamed Multiprotect Sunscreen SPF 50+ is enriched with a hydrating complex, including vitamin E, panthenol, and natural hydrofructol. This unique blend provides superior sun protection moisturization and enhances the elasticity of sun-damaged skin.

Reapply Liberally:

The recommended amount of sunscreen for your entire body is about one ounce, enough to fill a shot glass. A sufficient quantity is essential to maintain the sunscreen's specified sun protection factor (SPF).
It's better to use too much than too little to ensure you're adequately protected.

Be Thorough

Ensure you cover all areas, even those that are covered by clothing. Some fabrics do not provide complete protection, as UV rays can penetrate specific materials.
Remember areas often missed, such as the back of your neck, ears, and the tops of your hands.

Don't Forget Your Lips

Your lips are sensitive to sun damage as well. Reapply lip balm or lipstick with SPF to protect your lips from harmful UV rays.
Dermatologists have specially crafted Sebamed Lip Defense Balm with SPF 30 to alleviate dry lips, restore their softness, and shield them from external aggressors, such as UV radiation and wind exposure. This unique formula incorporates the healing and soothing properties of vitamin E and jojoba oil, making it an ideal choice for combating chapped lips. Sebamed lip Defense balms come in three variants, each tailored to specific lip care needs.

Check Expiration Dates

Ensure your sunscreen hasn't expired. The effectiveness of sunscreen products may deteriorate over time. Always use fresh sunscreen to get the best protection.

Why Is Re-applying Sunscreen Important?

Reapplying sunscreen is crucial for several important reasons:

Maintaining Continuous Protection: Sunscreen's effectiveness diminishes over time, especially when exposed to sunlight, water, and sweat. By reapplying, you ensure that your skin maintains consistent protection throughout your sun exposure.
Combatting Sunscreen Breakdown: Sunscreen can break down under the sun's UV radiation. It can become less effective in reflecting or absorbing UV rays, making reapplication necessary to refresh your protection.
Accounting for Water and Sweat: When swimming, sweating, or engaging in water activities, sunscreen can be washed away, leaving your skin vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays. Reapplying after water exposure is essential to retain protection.
Enhancing Longevity: Sunscreen may lose its effectiveness over time. You ensure a longer-lasting defense against UV radiation by reapplying at recommended intervals.
Covering Missed Spots: Reapplication allows you to cover areas you might have missed during your initial application, ensuring that no part of your skin remains unprotected.
Promoting Good Sun Safety Habits: Consistently reapplying sunscreen encourages adopting healthy sun safety practices.

Conclusion

Sunscreen is an essential part of any beauty routine, no matter the time of year. It’s important to apply it properly and often to protect your skin from damaging UV rays and potential sunburns. Re-applying sunscreen throughout the day is critical — including after swimming or sweating.

For an excellent sunscreen option, try Sebamed sunscreen, pH 5.5! Its natural ingredients form a barrier against environmental toxins while moisturizing your skin at the same time. Achieving beautiful skin isn't just about facial creams and makeup products; start with protecting it from damage with sunscreen!

Products Mentioned in the Blog

FAQs

Can I apply sunscreen over makeup when reapplying?

Reapplying sunscreen over makeup can be challenging, but you can use sunscreen or a setting spray with SPF. Alternatively, use a powdered sunscreen, which can be lightly applied over makeup.
Should I reapply sunscreen even on cloudy or overcast days?

Yes, it's also important to reapply sunscreen on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays can penetrate through clouds, and you can still get sunburned.
Are there specific areas of the body that need more frequent sunscreen reapplication?

Areas of the body that are more exposed to the sun, like the face, neck, ears, lips and the tops of your feet, should be given more frequent sunscreen reapplication. These areas are more susceptible to sun damage and need extra protection.