WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY SUNSCREEN?

For optimal effectiveness, sun protection should be applied regularly and evenly. When to apply sun cream? How to apply sun cream to the face? Here's a look at the best ways to do it.

WHAT ROLE DOES THE APPLICATION OF SUN CREAM PLAY IN ITS EFFECTIVENESS?

In order to achieve the promised protection, sunscreen should be applied in a thick, even layer, without rubbing, and on dry skin. In reality, most of us apply a thin layer of sunscreen before alternating between swimming, drying, and dressing. The result? The protective layer filters less, and for less time. Knowing when and how to apply sunscreen allows you to optimize its effectiveness and maintain it over time, in order to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY SUN CREAM?

In the past, it was recommended to apply sun protection twenty or even thirty minutes before exposure to the sun. Nowadays, most sun creams have an immediate effect. What is extremely important, however, is to reapply at least every two hours, or even more: this applies regardless of the intensity of the sun, in town or on the beach, in summer or winter, by adapting the Protection Index of the sun cream to your skin type and the UV index in force in your region.

The right thing to do? Apply a sun cream every day, in addition to your moisturizer or in the form of a day cream that includes sun protection. In the event of prolonged exposure (or in the event of a very high UV index: see below), replace it with sun cream with a higher protection factor.

SHOULD YOU APPLY THE SUN CREAM BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR DAY CREAM?

Have you chosen to supplement your usual skincare product with sun protection? Apply sunscreen after your day cream, as a finishing touch, or under your make-up. There are also tinted sunscreens and foundations with built-in sun protection.

WHEN TO APPLY SUNSCREEN MORE FREQUENTLY?

Certain risk factors require that the time limits be scrupulously respected, or even shortened. Beware, however, that sun cream should never replace the rules of caution: avoid prolonged exposure as much as possible, especially between noon and 4pm, and wear protective clothing if the weather conditions require it. Also remember to reapply the cream after bathing and toweling off, even if the sun protection is waterproof.

• The phototype is the classification of different skin types. It takes into account hair colour, skin tone, and the frequency of sunburn. Phototype 0 refers to people with albinism, and phototype 6 to those with black skin. The lower the phototype, the higher the sun protection factor of the sun cream, and the more regularly it should be applied, regardless of the time of exposure.
• The UV index indicates the intensity of the radiation to which the skin is exposed. The higher it is, the greater the risk of burning. The UV index is higher in summer, when the sun is at its zenith, in the mountains or by the water. It also depends on the latitude, as radiation is more intense near the equator. If you are going on holiday in southern Europe, you will normally have to be more careful than in the north! But beware of hazy sunshine and wind that reduces the feeling of heat.
• Circumstances may also make it necessary to increase the rate of application of sunscreen. Water gradually removes the protective layer, especially if it dries by rubbing. At the sea, in the swimming pool, or when sweating heavily, it is better to reapply more often or after each swim, once the skin is dry. A water-resistant sun cream offers better resistance to the effects of water but does not exempt you from regular applications.

HOW TO APPLY SUN CREAM TO THE BODY?

The most common mistake when applying sun cream is that you don't use enough. The right average for optimal protection? About a full handful for a whole body. Spread the cream in circular motions over all exposed skin, in a thick layer, until it penetrates the epidermis. Beware of frequently overlooked areas, such as the ears, the hollows of the knees or elbows, the armpits, the tops of the hands and feet... As for the back, call on a third party to ensure an even application, by placing the cream along the spine before stretching it towards the sides.

SHOULD YOU PUT SUNSCREEN UNDER YOUR CLOTHES?

In some cases, yes! Clothes do not automatically protect against sunburn, as thin or light-colored textiles offer only slight protection. For example, a white T-shirt would offer a protection factor of 7, which is not sufficient for a high UV index. In the middle of summer, with pale skin or on holiday in the sun, consider applying sunscreen all over your body before getting dressed.

Remember to cover your head with a hat, cap, or scarf and protect your eyes with good-quality sunglasses.

HOW TO APPLY SUNSCREEN TO THE FACE?

When applying sunscreen to the face, use about half a teaspoon of product. Apply a small amount to each area: forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks, then spread it in circular motions, in the same way as with a day cream. Remember to stretch it over each area of exposed skin, up to the hairline, in the folds of the neck, the wings of the nose, or behind the ears. You should also use a sun cream with a high protection factor for the face, even if you use a lower factor for the rest of the body: the skin on the face is particularly exposed, and all the more sensitive to premature skin ageing caused by UV rays.