Sunscreen is the single most effective anti-ageing step in any routine. Here are clear answers to the questions we hear most, from how much to use to what those letters on the tube really mean.
The essentials
- Amount: two finger-lengths for the face and neck
- Reapply: every two hours in the sun, and after sweating or swimming
- Rating: look for SPF 30 or higher plus PA+++ for UVA protection
- When: every morning, as the last step of your skincare
What do SPF 50 and PA+++ mean?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) shows how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburn. PA is a rating for protection against UVA rays, which contribute to skin ageing and dark spots and reach you through glass and clouds. The more plus signs, the higher the UVA protection, from PA+ up to PA++++.
Together, SPF 50 PA+++ means high protection against both. That's the rating on our Sea Buckthorn Sunscreen.
Is SPF 100 twice as good as SPF 50?
No. SPF 30 filters roughly 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 roughly 98%. The difference between higher numbers is small, so how much you apply and how often you reapply matters far more than chasing a bigger number.
How much sunscreen should I use?
Two finger-lengths for the face and neck: squeeze a line of sunscreen along your index and middle fingers and apply it all. Most people use far too little, which means they get only a fraction of the protection printed on the tube.
When should I reapply?
Every two hours of sun exposure, and after sweating or swimming. If you're indoors most of the day, one generous application in the morning is a good baseline. If you're out and about, reapply at lunchtime and again in the afternoon. Keep a sunscreen in your bag so it's easy to remember.
Do I need sunscreen indoors or on cloudy days?
Yes on both counts. UVA passes through window glass, so if you sit near a window at home, in the car or at the office, you're still exposed. UV rays also pass through cloud cover, which is why daily use matters even when it isn't sunny, including during the monsoon.
Do darker skin tones need sunscreen?
Yes. More melanin gives skin some natural protection, but not enough to skip sunscreen. UV exposure can worsen dark spots and uneven tone on any skin colour. For Indian skin tones in particular, a daily sunscreen is one of the best ways to help keep tone even. Look for a formula with no white cast so it disappears into skin.
Where does sunscreen go in my routine?
Sunscreen is the last skincare step in the morning: after cleansing and any serum or moisturiser, and before makeup. Let it settle for a minute before you step out. In the evening, cleanse thoroughly to remove it, since sunscreen is designed to stay on through the day.
Common sunscreen mistakes
- Applying too little. Use the two finger-length rule.
- Skipping reapplication. Protection wears off over a few hours.
- Forgetting spots. Ears, neck, lips and the tops of the hands are often missed.
- Relying on makeup with SPF. You'd need to apply far more than anyone realistically wears.
- Storing it in a hot car. Heat can degrade the formula, so keep it somewhere cool.
Sea Buckthorn Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++
Broad-spectrum daily protection with sea buckthorn, niacinamide and ceramide. Lightweight, with no white cast.
Common questions
Can I use sunscreen every day?
Yes. Daily use is exactly what dermatologists recommend. Choose one that feels light enough to wear comfortably all day so you actually keep using it.
Do I need to wear sunscreen at night?
No. Sunscreen is a daytime step. In the evening, cleanse to remove it and follow with your night routine.
Where does it fit in the full routine?
See our simple skincare routine for the full order, morning and night.
Photography from Unsplash.
