Sun Protection

Sunscreen & Sun Protection

Q: How much sunscreen should I apply to my face?

Apply two finger-lengths of sunscreen for your face and neck. Most people under-apply by 50%. The two-layer method—applying half the amount, waiting 30 seconds, then applying the rest—helps ensure adequate coverage without pilling.

Q: What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on skin and reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb into skin and convert UV to heat. Mineral is often gentler for sensitive skin; chemical typically has a more elegant texture with less white cast.

Q: Why does my sunscreen pill or ball up?

Pilling usually happens from silicone-on-silicone conflicts, applying too much at once, or rubbing instead of patting. Fix it with the two-layer method: apply thin layers, wait 30-60 seconds between, and pat gently instead of rubbing.

Sunscreen is the most important anti-aging product you own—but finding one that doesn't pill, leave a white cast, or feel terrible is the hard part. This guide helps you choose the right SPF, apply it correctly, and make it actually work.

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What's your main sunscreen challenge?

The Two-Layer Method

Pilling is usually a technique problem, not a product problem. Learn the two-layer method: apply half, wait 30 seconds, apply the rest. Pat instead of rubbing. This fixes most pilling issues.

Read: Fix Sunscreen Pilling

Tinted or Hybrid Formulas

White cast comes from mineral filters (zinc, titanium). Solutions: try tinted mineral SPF, hybrid formulas that combine mineral + chemical, or purely chemical filters if tolerated. Thinner layers also help.

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Start With the Basics

Mineral sunscreens sit on skin and are gentler; chemical sunscreens absorb in and feel more elegant. SPF 30 is fine for daily indoor life; SPF 50 for extended outdoor time. Start with what you'll actually wear.

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Mineral SPF for Sensitive Skin

If sunscreen stings, your barrier might be compromised. Try mineral-only SPF (zinc oxide). Apply after moisturizer to buffer. Avoid fragrance and alcohol denat. If you have rosacea, we have a specific guide.

Read: Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

All Guides & Resources

Everything you need to master sun protection.

Application & Technique

Sunscreen Pilling: How to Stop It The two-layer method and technique fixes

How Much Sunscreen to Apply The two-finger rule, face + neck coverage

Reapply Over Makeup SPF powders, sprays, and touch-up techniques

Coming soon

Choosing Your SPF

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen How they work, who should use which

Coming soon

SPF 30 vs SPF 50: What Matters When higher SPF is worth it

Coming soon

White Cast: How to Fix It Tinted, hybrid, and formula solutions

Coming soon

Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin Non-comedogenic options that won't break you out

Coming soon

Sensitive Skin & Conditions

Sunscreen for Rosacea & Sensitive Skin Mineral formulas, ingredients to avoid

Rosacea hub

SPF While Using Adapalene Why sunscreen is essential during retinoid treatment

Acne hub

Sunscreen Stings My Eyes Causes and formulas that don't migrate

Coming soon

Sunscreen for Hyperpigmentation Why SPF is essential for melasma and PIH

Coming soon

Cheat Sheets & Downloads

Free infographics to save, print, or share

Sunscreen amount and reapplication guide

Sunscreen Amount & Reapply

The 2-finger rule, shot glass method, and when to reapply

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Skincare routine order with sunscreen infographic

AM/PM Routine Order

Where sunscreen fits in your morning routine—plus 6 more infographics

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Starter routine

How to incorporate sunscreen into a simple daily routine.

AM Routine

1 Cleanse — gentle cleanser or water rinse
2 Moisturizer — let it absorb 1-2 minutes
3 Sunscreen — two finger-lengths, pat gently
4 Wait 2-3 min — before makeup or going outside

Reapplication

1 Every 2 hours — of direct sun exposure
2 After sweating — or water contact
3 Over makeup — SPF powder or setting spray
4 Indoor days — morning application usually enough

Ingredient Cheat Sheet

What different filters do and who they're for.

✓ Zinc Oxide

Broad spectrum, anti-inflammatory. Best for sensitive/rosacea skin. May leave white cast.

✓ Titanium Dioxide

Excellent UVB protection. Often paired with zinc. Gentler than chemical filters.

✓ Iron Oxides (tinted)

Block visible light + blue light. Reduce white cast. Good for melasma/PIH.

⚠ Avobenzone

Good UVA protection but can be irritating. Needs stabilizers. Check tolerance.

⚠ Octinoxate

Common chemical filter. Can irritate sensitive skin. Avoid if reactive.

✗ Oxybenzone

High irritation potential. Hormone concerns. Many people avoid now.

✗ Alcohol Denat (high)

Dries and irritates. Avoid if in top 5 ingredients (small amounts OK).

✗ Fragrance in SPF

Unnecessary irritant. Choose fragrance-free for facial sunscreen.

What not to do

These mistakes reduce protection or cause problems.

Skipping SPF because it's cloudy. 80% of UV penetrates clouds. Your anti-aging and protection benefits require daily use.

Using too little. Most people apply 25-50% of what's needed. Two finger-lengths for face and neck is the standard.

Rubbing instead of patting. Vigorous rubbing causes pilling and moves product around. Spread then pat gently.

Expired sunscreen. Check the date. SPF loses effectiveness over time. Replace yearly if opened.

Relying on SPF in makeup. The amount you apply for coverage ≠ the amount for SPF protection. Wear actual sunscreen underneath.

Skipping neck and ears. These areas get sun exposure too. Your routine should include them.

When to see a dermatologist

Some situations need professional evaluation.

Consider seeing a derm if:

You notice new or changing moles, spots, or growths
You have significant sun damage history and want a skin check
Sunscreen consistently causes reactions despite trying gentle formulas
You have melasma or persistent hyperpigmentation
You're on photosensitizing medications and need guidance
You're planning a procedure and need pre/post sun protection advice

Common questions

Quick answers to the most-asked sunscreen questions.

How much sunscreen should I apply to my face?

Apply two finger-lengths (from crease to fingertip) of sunscreen for your face and neck. Most people under-apply by 50%. The two-layer method—applying half the amount, waiting 30 seconds, then applying the rest—helps ensure adequate coverage without pilling.

What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of skin and reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb into skin and convert UV to heat. Mineral is often gentler for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin; chemical typically has a more elegant texture with less white cast.

Why does my sunscreen pill or ball up?

Pilling usually happens from silicone-on-silicone conflicts between your sunscreen and moisturizer, applying too much product at once, or rubbing instead of patting. Fix it with the two-layer method: apply thin layers, wait 30-60 seconds between, and pat gently instead of rubbing.

Is SPF 30 enough or do I need SPF 50?

SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays; SPF 50 blocks 98%. For daily indoor life, SPF 30 applied properly is usually sufficient. For extended outdoor time (more than an hour in direct sun), SPF 50 gives you more buffer for imperfect application and sweat.

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A skin scan helps you understand your skin and get a routine with the right SPF for your concerns.

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