Think it’s all good after you’ve started to apply sunscreen diligently every morning? Well, not quite. Sun protection must last you throughout the day to be considered effectively done.
Touching our face, sweating, exercising or just being in the sun for long hours can wear out the sunscreen layer on our skin.
That is why dermatologists would usually recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours for consistent protection.
Keep scrolling for a step-by-step guide on how to reapply your sunscreen. We also have tips for those who wear makeup on how to avoid smearing your makeup during reapplication.
How to Reapply Sunscreen
Tip:
Always ensure that you wash your hands with soap and ensure your hands are clean before touching your face.
Step 1: Dab your face gently with tissue to remove excess oil
We recommend using a tissue instead of an oil blotter as much as possible. While oil blotting can be a gratifying quick fix to remove excess oil, over-blotting may cause your skin to produce more sebum to compensate for the lack of oil. This is going to be more harmful for your skin in the long run and cause it to become more oily.
Step 2: Hydrate / Moisturise
Work on replenishing your skin with moisture so that it prevents your skin from producing more oil. Those of you with combination to oily skin may choose lightweight products such as Toner T2 or Aqua Boost Serum 10 to lightly hydrate your skin.
If your skin is more dry or sensitive, use Moisturizer 6 as required to give your skin more moisture.
Let your skin take a moment to absorb these products before layering on your sunscreen for easier application.
Step 3: Reapply sunscreen
Squeeze a sufficient amount of sunscreen and use your fingertips to lightly press the sunscreen into your skin.
If you are reapplying Sunscreen 5 / Sunscreen Matte 5M, dot the sunscreen directly on your face and gently pat to spread evenly over skin. Press and roll product into skin with fingertips.
Don’t forget your neck area too!
How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup
If you are wearing foundation or makeup, the steps are almost similar with some extra tips to prevent smearing.
Step 1: Dab your face gently with tissue to remove excess oil
Step 2: Hydrate / Moisturise
Tip:
Try filling a spray bottle with Toner T2 and use it as a facial spray/mist over your face to hydrate skin without having to touch your face.
Step 3: Use a makeup sponge to reapply sunscreen
Dot the sunscreen across your face and use a makeup sponge or cushion to blend and pat the sunscreen into your skin. This step will help to create an even application and prevent smearing your makeup too much.
As it may be difficult to reapply sunscreen over makeup without smearing it, we’d encourage you to go foundation free on most days if you can!
Caking on heavy makeup for long hours can result in a melting mess by mid-day especially during summer. Mixed with sweat and sebum, it’s the perfect combination for clogged pores.
Cutting back on makeup allows your pores to breathe. Go foundation-free as much as possible, but if you’d still like to have some coverage, choose non-comedogenic tinted sunscreens that do not clog your pores.