How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide

We are living in sun-heated conditions, where the sun is almost a permanent feature of the sky, isn’t it? Skin care in the sun is not a seasonal task here in the UAE; it’s a daily mandatory ritual that cannot be compromised. However, simply having a good sunscreen product is not sufficient-the secret to still very youthful and healthy skin is the correct way of applying sunscreen. We mean the highest protection from the desert sun and not just a quick dab of the face before hurrying out of the house. 

Application is the right way whether you are doing a sunbath session by the pool or only making a quick run to the grocery store. Moreover, choosing the right product is of importance. At SunKiss, we are committed to protection that does not harm the planet. For this reason, we prepare our products as eco-friendly sunscreens so that you can get high performance without compromising the environment. 

Part 1: Your Sunscreen Strategy – Before You Apply

Before you even unscrew the cap, there are a few key decisions to make that dramatically affect your protection level.

1. Choose Your Weapon: Broad Spectrum is Essential

You might see a high SPF number, but you need to check for the “broad spectrum” label. This isn't just a fancy marketing term; it means the product protects you from both types of damaging rays:

• UVA rays: The "Aging" rays that penetrate deep into the skin, causing wrinkles, sagging, and the signs we associate with the best sunscreen for anti-aging protection.
• UVB rays: The "Burning" rays that cause sunburn.

A quality broad spectrum sunscreen uva uvb protection formula is non-negotiable for true skin health. Look for a minimum of SPF 30, but honestly, here in the GCC, opting for the best sunscreen for daily use spf 50 is always the safer bet.

2. Time it Right: The 15-Minute Rule

The biggest mistake that people are guilty of most of the time is to put on sunscreen while they are going out. 

If you are using a chemical sunscreen (which absorbs UV rays), the active ingredients should be left for some time to combine with your skin. One should always be aware of the time when sunscreen is going to be applied and the answer is 15 minutes before going outside every time.

So, why not set an alarm? Last of all, apply it in your morning skincare routine and then get dressed or take your bag with you. This very important moment of time between your skin and the sun ensures that your skin barrier is fully prepared and protected before it is exposed to the strong UV rays. 

Part 2: The Two-Finger Rule and Perfect Coverage

This is where we get specific. Almost half of the people are using only between 25% and 50% of the required amount from the bottle, thus their actual protection is by far lower than the SPF value that is shown on the bottle. 

How Much Sunscreen to Apply?

Forget guesswork. Dermatologists have given us two easy-to-follow guidelines for how much sunscreen to apply on face and body:

1. The Face/Neck Rule (Two Fingers): For your face and neck, squeeze a line of sunscreen onto your index finger and middle finger. That’s the minimum amount required for adequate coverage on the exposed skin of your head and neck.
2. The Body Rule (Shot Glass): For the rest of your body, you need roughly the amount that would fill a standard shot glass (about 30ml). Remember also to not save your sunscreen for those parts that are usually forgotten, like the top of your feet, ears, and back of the hands. 

Part 3: Step-by-Step Application Technique

Should it be the case that you are determined to put on sunscreen in the right way only, then it is a must to consider the whole process as an application of a lovely moisturizing cream onto your skin and thus gently massaging until it disappears is of high importance. 

Step 1: Face First (Your Daily Barrier)

A two-finger measure of your sunscreen should be the amount that you place initially on the raw parts of your body, that is, face, neck, and chest. Next, commence the spreading by taking some product on your fingertips from which you have already made the dots on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin and then, distribute it evenly. 

• Tip for the Eyes: A very small amount is enough, so apply it gently around the thin skin of the eye area. If you’re looking for focused, high-performance protection that targets those aging hot spots, our Age Defying Daily Face Protection SPF 50 is a fantastic choice, especially for the high exposure you get daily. It provides dedicated, powerful sun defense designed for the unique needs of facial skin. Find it here: SunKiss Age Defying Daily Face Protection SPF 50.

Step 2: Body Application (Mind the Gaps)

Work section by section. Don't dump a glob in the middle of your arm and try to rub it everywhere. Apply the product in smooth, circular motions until it is fully blended and there are no white streaks left behind.

We’ve designed our Invisible Sun Shield Cocolime SPF 50 for exactly this full-body coverage. It's an eco-friendly sunscreen that disappears completely, and because it’s a reef-safe sunscreen for the body, you can feel good about using it whether you’re swimming in the Gulf or just soaking up the sun on a patio. Check out the beloved Cocolime scent: SunKiss Invisible Sun Shield Cocolime SPF 50. You can also explore our entire SunKiss Face Collection for more daily face protection spf 50+ options.

Part 4: The Golden Rule: Reapply, Reapply, Reapply!

SPF rating is a measure of how well the product protects your skin, however, the product must be on your skin for the protection to work and the sun, sweat, and friction are constantly trying to remove it. 

Your Sunscreen Reapplication Guide:

• General Rule: Put it on again 2 hours after the first application, irrespective of the SPF value.
• The Sweat/Water Rule: If you were in the pool or at the beach, or you were sweating a lot (which happens very often in the UAE climate!), then you should definitely put on the sunscreen again right after you have wiped yourself with a towel after getting out. Also, try to remember that even if your sunblock is water-resistant, it is not waterproof.

Reapplication based on the Sweat/Water rule is perhaps the most vital step, more important than the original application, especially on the long weekends outdoors.

Part 5: Don’t Forget the Aftercare

Once the sun is out of the picture, your work is not over yet. Even a sun exposure, protected or not, can be pretty drying and stressful for the skin. That’s when rescue and repair step in. 

Don’t hesitate to thoroughly smear an after sun rescue moisturizer once the sunscreen and sand have been washed off. This stage is very important as it rehydrates the skin, soothes any barely noticeable irritation and supports the skin’s repair process made naturally during the night. Besides, after sun rescue moisturizer is very helpful in keeping the skin elastic and avoiding the peeling. You can find our ultra-soothing formula here: SunKiss After Sun Rescue Moisturiser.

Skin protection is a marathon, not a sprint. By adhering to this comprehensive guide, you are going beyond the mere application of the product and entering the realm of smart, preventative skincare—the only way to be able to keep your skin glowing and healthy in the long run.