Keep your skin safe in the sun with our step-by-step guide to applying sunscreen.
Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin damage, yet many people are not getting the level of protection they expect from their sunscreen. Applying SPF incorrectly or in insufficient amounts can significantly reduce its effectiveness.
At Green People, we have over 20 years’ experience formulating sun protection for sensitive skin.
In this practical guide, we explain how to apply sunscreen correctly to the face and body, so you can feel confident that your skin is properly protected whenever you spend time outdoors.
At a glance:
- Common SPF mistakes are not using enough, applying too late, layering incorrectly, or not waiting for other skin care to absorb
- Apply before going outside and choose the right SPF level for you
- Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed areas
- Reapply regularly - every 2–3 hours and after swimming or sweating to maintain protection
- Combine SPF with additional sun protection measures – clothing, hat, sunglasses, shade
- Best sun cream for sensitive skin: Green People Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30
Why is it important to apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen is not just for holidays or beach days. It plays an important role in protecting your skin from UV exposure whenever you spend time outdoors or when indoors but close to a window.
Regularly applying sunscreen helps to:
- Prevent sunburn and irritation
- Reduce signs premature ageing like fine lines and wrinkles
- Lower the risk of skin cancer
- Prevent hyperpigmentation
- Support a more even-looking skin tone
Applying sunscreen daily when you’re heading outdoors is one of the easiest ways to keep your skin feeling healthy and protected. UV rays can still reach the skin on cloudy days, so consistent SPF use is important whenever your skin is exposed to daylight.
To stay protected, it is essential to apply sunscreen correctly.
What SPF should you use?
Choosing the right SPF is all about giving your skin the protection it needs. The SPF measures how well a sunscreen shields you from UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn.
The NHS recommends at least SPF30 to protect against UVB rays[1]. SPF30 filters approximately 97% of UVB rays, while SPF15 offers 93% protection and SPF50 provides 98% coverage.
If you’re spending time outdoors for longer periods, or during peak sunlight hours, you might choose a higher factor sunscreen. At Green People we offer broad-spectrum sunscreen from SPF15 to SPF 50 so that you can choose the right protection for you and your skin.
The wrong way to apply SPF
There are several common application issues that can significantly reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen.
Being aware of these helps ensure your skin is properly protected.
- Not applying SPF when it’s cloudy
- Not applying enough SPF
- Applying SPF too late
- Applying SPF underneath other skin care products
- Applying SPF before your other skin care products have absorbed
- Not reapplying your SPF through the day, or after swimming or sweating
- Using old or expired sunscreen that’s no longer effective
These mistakes can leave skin exposed and more prone to sunburn, irritation and long-term sun damage.
What is the best way to apply sunscreen to the body?
Applying your sunscreen properly is easy when you know how. Here’s how to apply sunscreen so that you get the protection you expect.
STEP 1: Apply every day
UV rays can pass through cloud cover and cause damage even when the sunlight doesn’t seem that strong. Apply sunscreen every day as the last step of your routine and use an SPF that suits your skin and the time of year.
STEP 2: Apply sunscreen at home
Sunscreen filters take time to form an effective protective layer on the skin. The NHS and Cancer Research advise applying sunscreen twice if you plan to spend extended time outdoors. The first application should be 30 minutes before you go out, and the second application should be just before you go outside[i].
Step 3: Apply evenly:
To get the best protection from your sun care products, apply an even layer of SPF to all exposed skin areas.
For head-to-toe sun protection, apply a 50p amount to the following areas and gently pat your sunscreen into the skin to encourage absorption.
- Head, neck and face (include the scalp if your hair is thinning)
- Left arm
- Right arm
- Upper back
- Lower back
- Upper front torso
- Lower front torso
- Left upper leg and thigh
- Right upper leg and thigh
- Left lower leg and foot
- Right lower leg and foot
This guidance applies to all sunscreens regardless of the factor that you apply. If you do not use this much, please be aware that the sun cream will not give the level of protection stated on the tube or bottle.
STEP 4: Apply often
Reapplying sunscreen is essential to maintain protection throughout the day. Sunscreen can rub off through clothing, swimming or sweating, and UV filters gradually lose effectiveness.
You should reapply every 2–3 hours and after swimming or vigorous activity.
You should also pair applying your sunscreen with other protective methods, like covering up with clothing and hats, spending time in the shade and avoiding peak UV times (11-3).
Why should you apply sunscreen before you go out in the sun?
You might think that it’s easier to apply your sunscreen once you get to the beach or the pool. However, it’s usually better to apply it 30 minutes before you leave the house for maximum protection.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. They need about 15–30 minutes to fully absorb into the skin and become effective. Applying them too late can leave skin unprotected during initial exposure.
Mineral sunscreens create a protective layer that reflects and scatters UV rays. While they work immediately, applying beforehand means you can take the time to make sure it’s applied properly.
If you plan to be outdoors for an extended period, a second application just before going out to give you even more protection. You should also apply your sunscreen every few hours when you’re out in the sun.
Watch our sunscreen application tutorials
Follow our simple our 3-step sunscreen application tutorial for effective coverage.
STEP 1: APPLY
Apply liberally, half an hour before sun exposure.
STEP 2: TAP
Gently tap the skin to encourage absorption. Allow the sun cream to soak into the skin before applying clothing
STEP 3: REAPPLY
Reapply before going outside and frequently throughout the day.
Shop body sunscreen
It’s important to choose a sunscreen that suits your skin while offering dependable UV protection. Our body sun creams are formulated with sensitive skin in mind, helping you protect exposed areas comfortably and effectively.
Enjoy easy-to-apply sun protection with our Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30. Ideal for sensitive skin and those who may be prone to prickly heat or eczema, this nourishing natural and organic sun cream can be used by all the family.
Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 200ml
Protect sensitive skin naturally with our best-selling SPF30 sun cream472,00 kr
If you prefer a higher SPF, our Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+ is your best choice. This ultra-light sunscreen glides on and absorbs in seconds, leaving skin silky soft and protected.
Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+ 150ml
Get invisible protection for face & body with this silky SPF50+ sunscreen423,00 kr
Need sunscreen for the kids? Protect your little sunshine with a natural and organic kids’ sun cream.
Unscented and packed with goodness you can trust, Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 is clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin.
Made with soothing organic Aloe Vera and protective Myrrh Oil, this non-greasy children’s sun cream provides peace-of-mind protection for your little one.
Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream - SPF30 150ml
Discover peace-of-mind protection with our best-selling kids’ SPF30 sun cream423,00 kr
How to apply sunscreen to the face
Using a facial sunscreen is important, as your face is exposed to UV rays most days. It’s also one of the first places to show signs of ageing and one of the most common places to find some forms of cancer.
The skin on your face is thinner and more reactive than the rest of the body, making it especially important to choose a gentle, well-tolerated sunscreen.
Green People facial sun creams are formulated for sensitive skin, offering broad-spectrum protection without fragrance or unnecessary heaviness. For added reassurance, they are dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin.
Scent Free Facial Sun Cream - SPF30 50ml
Shield and hydrate with this facial SPF. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin.423,00 kr
Do you put sunscreen on over moisturiser?
Are you unsure whether to apply sunscreen before or after moisturiser? Our facial sunscreens are made with natural, skin friendly ingredients and they’re rich in moisturising actives, meaning they can be applied to the skin without needing extra moisturiser.
However, if you have fine lines and prefer to use a moisturiser or serum with your sunscreen, your sunscreen should always be applied last. You should also wait for your serum/moisturiser to be fully absorbed before applying SPF to the face. Read more about applying sunscreen with moisturiser.
We hope you have found our guide to sunscreen application helpful. Take our two-minute sun cream finder quiz and discover the best SPF for your skin type, or explore our sunscreen bestsellers.
For more help building your best sun care routine, please contact our friendly UK customer care team on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
REVIEWED BY CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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[AJ1]Change to SPF50+ when new products launch
[AJ2]Add link to new blog post about SPF levels
[AJ3]To be added when it launches
