Everything You Need To Know About Everyday Sunscreen

First, it’s important to remember that sun damage can occur even on a cloudy day – or even indoors, if you’re sitting by a window. So, applying SPF to your face and neck daily is necessary, whatever the season. “The recommended amount is 2mg/cm² – enough to coat the entire surface area of exposed skin, which equates to roughly half a teaspoon, or two-finger lengths of sunscreen,” says New York-based dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross. Don’t skip any part of the skin’s surface. “Remember to rub SPF onto your chest and décolletage, as well as your lips and the tops of the ears, too.”

If you’ve been relying on the SPF in your makeup or moisturizer, it’s time to take it up a level. “While having SPF in makeup is a great add-on, the quantity of SPF is not sufficient to provide adequate sun protection,” says aesthetic medicine physician Dr Barbara Kubicka. “A dedicated sunscreen that is specifically formulated to provide concentrated amounts of protection is key.” SPF is the final step in your skincare regimen (before foundation) and should be applied 20 minutes before going outside. Charlotte Tilbury’s Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer SPF50 applies completely clear and doubles as a makeup base, while Dr Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF50 offer a serum-like texture when worn undiluted, or can be mixed into your favorite cream. Alternatively, BareMinerals’ BareSkin Daily Dewy Sunscreen Mineral SPF 30 and Supergoop!’s Mineral Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops SPF 30 provide reliable protection with a hint of glow-giving color.

The sun does not discriminate, and despite common misconceptions, all skin tones need to apply sunscreen to ensure their skin is protected. Although darker skin tones are slightly more resilient to the sun, they can still burn and are susceptible to damage. According to dermatologist Dr Hope Mitchell, those with darker skin tones can sometimes incorrectly think they are less at risk of skin cancer – which can lead to missed signs. “People with darker skin are often diagnosed at a later stage,” she says. Thankfully, the latest SPF launches are often suitable for all skin tones and come without an ashy, white cast.

Provided you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, whether you opt for a chemical or mineral formula is a matter of preference. Physical filters, which are typically less irritating, sit on the surface of the skin and block UV rays. While they often have a reputation for being chalky, new technology has led to more iterations with ultra-sheer finishes, such as Ultra Violette’s Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen. Chemical filters, which tend to have a thinner consistency and therefore sit better under makeup, work within the skin and absorb rays like a sponge.

Cleansing is essential on any day, but even more so when you’ve been wearing sun protection. “SPF is like hairspray, in that it is formulated to stick to your skin and stay put as much as possible,” says esthetician Dija Ayodele, who advises double cleansing to break down the SPF first. “I recommend an oil-based or balm cleanser as a first cleanse before following up with a face wash that is appropriate for your skin type. If you don’t remove your SPF properly, it can lead to skin irritation, breakouts and blocked pores.” Noble Panacea’s The Elemental Cleansing Balm and Exfoliating Refiner features a buttery-textured balm that’s formulated to purge SPF from pores, while the exfoliator offers micro doses of AHA and PHA to whisk away any leftover residue.