Applying sunscreen is essential before each exposure to the sun. For prolonged exposure, it should be reapplied every two hours. However, reapplying sunscreen after makeup is not always straightforward. Find some tips in this article to no longer have to choose between makeup and sun protection.
How to reapply sunscreen after makeup?
Published on September 7, 2022, updated on October 4, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 4 min of reading
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When should one reapply sunscreen?
Extended exposure to UV rays can lead to an increased risk of photoaging, photodermatoses, pigmentation spots and skin cancers. Therefore, it is crucial to protect your skin against the sun's UV rays, particularly UVA rays. The daily and regular application of sun protection products containing sun filters is one of the effective methods to block UVA and UVB rays to the greatest extent possible, thereby protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Selecting the correct protection factor alone is not sufficient for adequate sun protection, it is also recommended to reapply the sunscreen at least every two hours for outdoor activities (beach, skiing, etc...), immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. For those working indoors, it is not necessary to reapply sun protection, provided that the recommended amount applied in the morning (2 mg/cm2) has been adhered to.
But why is this so? In order to function, a sunscreen cream must form a uniform film on the skin. However, after a certain period of time, this protective film can "move" or interact with the skin's natural lipid layer. Sweat, water (during swimming)... can also alter it. Furthermore, under the effect of sunlight, certain sun filters (avobenzone, etc...) contained in the sunscreen cream tend to degrade (photo-stability) and their effectiveness is reduced, thus leading to an alteration of the product's protective properties.
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3 ways to reapply sunscreen when wearing makeup.
First recommendation: Apply your sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (2 mg/cm2) before applying makeup. Little extra : Use a makeup setting spray to both set your makeup and also secure your sun protection.
The ideal scenario would be to remove your makeup and start afresh. To simplify, here are various ways to apply sunscreen over makeup, combining sun protection and cosmetics under the sun, all without ruining your beauty routine and without letting UV rays damage your skin:
Application using a makeup sponge: To successfully and sufficiently apply sunscreen after makeup, you can use a makeup sponge. To do this, take some sunscreen with the makeup sponge, then apply it by gently dabbing it onto the skin;
Investing in a sun mist: Another option for UV protection when wearing makeup is to spray the entire face with a sun mist in circular motions, while keeping the eyes and mouth closed. Easy to use, it has the advantage of being quite convenient for reapplications at your leisure throughout the day, in addition to hydrating and refreshing the skin, without damaging the makeup. However, be careful not to inhale it during application;
Choosing makeup with a sun protection factor: BB cream, tinted cream, foundation... some complexion makeup products are equipped with sun filters in their composition. You can supplement this with the use of a sun powder. In addition to mattifying the skin, it also provides UV protection. While convenient, this method will provide negligible sun protection, as the quantity applied is insufficient.
Despite all these solutions, the best protection remains to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, to wear a hat, and to stay in the shade as much as possible.
