SPF and How to Apply it Properly (Plus, How to Know When It’s Expired)
December 10 | 4 minute read
Words by The MECCA Memo
We all know that sunscreen is a daily non-negotiable, but what you might not know is that this skincare essential is only effective when applied correctly.
You might have the best formula out there, and wear it religiously, but you’re probably not getting the most out of your SPF simply because you're not applying quite enough (spoiler alert: it’s a lot more than you think). Plus, reapplying is just as important – and so is knowing when your SPF has expired.
What does ‘correctly’ mean? When exactly should you be reapplying? Does that expiration date really matter? Ahead, we have you covered with all your burning sunscreen questions, answered.
What Level of SPF Should I Use?
Globally, all SPF products are not created equal. You’ll know this, and just how important proper testing and regulation is, if you’ve been following the recent chatter around sunscreen in Australia. It’s also why there are many SPFs available overseas that aren’t sold in Australia. Our SPF standards are some of the strictest in the world, stating that all primary sunscreens sold must be marked with an SPF rating of at least 4, all the way up to the highest rating of 50+. The higher the rating, the better the sun protection.
Given that an SPF of 4 will only block out 75 percent of UV rays, choosing a sunscreen with a low SPF means you’re still exposing your skin to UV damage. Instead, SunSmart recommends using an SPF of at least 30, which blocks out 96.7 percent of UV, or preferably 50+, which blocks out 98 percent.
It’s also important to go for an SPF that’s labelled ‘broad-spectrum,’ since this means it filters out both UVA and UVB rays. While UVB is the wavelength that typically burns skin, UVA is responsible for the visible signs of photo-ageing, and they both contribute to skin damage.
Given that an SPF of 4 will only block out 75 percent of UV rays, choosing a sunscreen with a low SPF means you’re still exposing your skin to UV damage. Instead, SunSmart recommends using an SPF of at least 30, which blocks out 96.7 percent of UV, or preferably 50+, which blocks out 98 percent.
It’s also important to go for an SPF that’s labelled ‘broad-spectrum,’ since this means it filters out both UVA and UVB rays. While UVB is the wavelength that typically burns skin, UVA is responsible for the visible signs of photo-ageing, and they both contribute to skin damage.
What Are Primary and Secondary Sunscreens?
Here in Australia, sunscreens fall into one of two categories: primary or secondary. Primary sunscreens have one main purpose, and that is to protect your skin from UV radiation. Secondary sunscreens are products that have SPF as a bonus, like moisturisers or lip balms with added SPF. Most importantly, you should always use a primary sunscreen as your main protection, or your ‘base’, and layer secondary SPF products on top for extra coverage.
What’s the Correct Way to Apply Sunscreen?
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the most important part of sun protection is doing it right. First, make sure you apply your SPF 20 minutes before going outside or exposing yourself to the sun – this provides enough time for the sunscreen to bind to your skin and start working effectively.
The other important step? Reapplication! You should be reapplying your sunscreen every two hours as well as after swimming, sweating or towelling off. If you’re worried about ruining your makeup, don’t – Naked Sundays created the SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Sunscreen Mist, so you can generously spray onto your hands (seven spritzes, to be precise), pat onto your face, and reap the benefits of broad spectrum very high protection sunscreen and your perfect base. Remember, this is a secondary sunscreen and is designed for reapplication only.
Finally, while you can use fingers to apply your SPF, you may prefer to use a flat-top brush for thicker formulas (it helps to blend out the sunscreen around the face and ensure an even application, every time). However, since some of the product will soak into the brush, you’ll need to apply more than you usually would. More on that, below.
The other important step? Reapplication! You should be reapplying your sunscreen every two hours as well as after swimming, sweating or towelling off. If you’re worried about ruining your makeup, don’t – Naked Sundays created the SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Sunscreen Mist, so you can generously spray onto your hands (seven spritzes, to be precise), pat onto your face, and reap the benefits of broad spectrum very high protection sunscreen and your perfect base. Remember, this is a secondary sunscreen and is designed for reapplication only.
Finally, while you can use fingers to apply your SPF, you may prefer to use a flat-top brush for thicker formulas (it helps to blend out the sunscreen around the face and ensure an even application, every time). However, since some of the product will soak into the brush, you’ll need to apply more than you usually would. More on that, below.
How Much Sunscreen Should I Apply on My Face?
Repeat after us: more is more. While you may think a pea-sized amount suffices, the reality is that most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. And when you don’t apply enough product, you’re not actually getting the SPF you think you are. For example, if you only apply half the recommended amount of an SPF30 sunscreen, your level of protection would be less than SPF10. So be generous – sunscreen should always be applied liberally to keep you protected from the harmful effects of the sun.
According to experts, a good rule of thumb is to use at least one teaspoon of sunscreen per body part; the face (including the neck and ears!) constitutes one body part. It doesn’t sound like much but if you measure out a full teaspoon of sunscreen and apply it to your face, we have an inkling it’s more than you’ve been using.
As for the rest? The same rule applies – one teaspoon for each of your arms and legs, and one teaspoon each for the front and back of your body.
According to experts, a good rule of thumb is to use at least one teaspoon of sunscreen per body part; the face (including the neck and ears!) constitutes one body part. It doesn’t sound like much but if you measure out a full teaspoon of sunscreen and apply it to your face, we have an inkling it’s more than you’ve been using.
As for the rest? The same rule applies – one teaspoon for each of your arms and legs, and one teaspoon each for the front and back of your body.
Does Sunscreen Go Before or After Moisturiser?
Ah, the ‘chicken or egg?’ of SPF. The answer is: after! It’s always best to apply sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine, post-cleansing and other skincare (including serum and moisturiser). If you have oily skin or don’t like too much product on your face, go for a moisturiser with a lighter texture than you normally would.
Worried about how your makeup will sit on top? Don’t be. MECCA COSMETICA’s To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen is a broad-spectrum, very high-protection sunscreen and was designed with makeup wearers in mind; it’s a non-greasy, lightweight formula that won’t ‘ball up’ when you layer foundation over it. And, for top-ups later in the day without ruining your makeup, opt for an SPF mist (remember to spray onto hands then pat onto your face). Another tip? Give your sunscreen a few minutes to sink in before you apply your base – this means there’s less chance of your makeup sliding off your face!
Worried about how your makeup will sit on top? Don’t be. MECCA COSMETICA’s To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen is a broad-spectrum, very high-protection sunscreen and was designed with makeup wearers in mind; it’s a non-greasy, lightweight formula that won’t ‘ball up’ when you layer foundation over it. And, for top-ups later in the day without ruining your makeup, opt for an SPF mist (remember to spray onto hands then pat onto your face). Another tip? Give your sunscreen a few minutes to sink in before you apply your base – this means there’s less chance of your makeup sliding off your face!
How Do I Know When My Sunscreen Has Expired?
A good starting point is the bottle itself – all sunscreens sold in Australia are required to have the expiration date on the bottle. That aside, storage matters too! You should always keep your SPF in a cool, dry place – that is, below 30C and out of direct sunlight. We always recommend taking your SPF with you if you’re going to be outdoors (say, at the beach or by the pool), so if you do, try and keep it in the shade or in a cooler bag.
If you notice your sunscreen start to change in consistency (look out for changes in texture, such as clumping) or smell a little ‘off’, it’s likely that it has expired. Get yourself a brand-new tube, stat!
And remember: ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
If you notice your sunscreen start to change in consistency (look out for changes in texture, such as clumping) or smell a little ‘off’, it’s likely that it has expired. Get yourself a brand-new tube, stat!
And remember: ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
