Learn when to apply sunscreen in your skincare routine for maximum UV protection. Discover the correct order of application, how much sunscreen to use, and expert reapplication tips for different skin types to help keep your skin healthy and protected every day.
Using sunscreen every day is an essential part of any skincare routine and does far more than simply prevent sunburn. Daily sun protection helps shield the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of premature ageing, dark spots and other forms of sun damage.
Modern sunscreens also provide additional benefits, helping to protect the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution while supporting the needs of different skin types and concerns, including acne-prone skin, excess oil and redness.
Discover when to apply sunscreen in your skincare routine, how much to use, and the best ways to reapply throughout the day for effective, long-lasting protection.
Sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful solar radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Daily use is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy, protected skin.
Most sunscreens provide protection against UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for sun damage and visible signs of ageing. However, some advanced formulas offer broader protection. For example, Photoderm Xdefense Ultra-Fluid SPF50+ helps defend the skin against a wider spectrum of environmental aggressors. In addition to protecting against UVA and UVB rays, it also helps shield the skin from visible light and infrared radiation, both of which can contribute to skin damage and premature ageing.
Sun protection products help shield the skin from harmful UV radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. UVB rays mainly affect the skin's surface and cause sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper, contributing to wrinkles, loss of firmness and pigmentation. The sun also emits visible light and infrared (IR) radiation, which can contribute to long-term skin damage and photoageing. Although sunlight supports vitamin D production and wellbeing, daily sunscreen use is essential year-round, as harmful solar radiation is present in every season, even on cloudy days.
There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral. Both effectively protect the skin from UV damage and premature ageing, but they work in different ways.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and are typically lightweight with an invisible finish, making them ideal for daily wear and under makeup.
Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, use mineral filters to reflect UV rays and are often better suited to sensitive or reactive skin. They also provide immediate protection after application.
To get the most from your sun protection, it's important to apply sunscreen at the right stage of your skincare routine. Many people wonder whether it should be applied before or after a serum or moisturiser. As a general rule, sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skincare routine, applied after your serum and moisturiser but before makeup. This helps ensure optimal protection against UV rays and other environmental aggressors while allowing your skincare products to absorb properly and work effectively.
Choosing between tinted and untinted sunscreen comes down to your skin type, preferences and desired finish. Untinted sunscreens provide effective daily sun protection while maintaining a natural, invisible look on the skin. Tinted sunscreens offer the same protection but also help to even out skin tone, blur imperfections and create a healthy-looking glow. Tinted formulas can be an excellent alternative to light foundation or BB cream while helping to protect the skin from daily UV exposure.
The 1st detox suncare for a global protection against environmental aggressors, sun & pollution.
All skin types
The 1st detox suncare for a global protection against environmental aggressors, sun & pollution.
All skin types
The 1st detox suncare for a global protection against environmental aggressors, sun & pollution.
All skin types
The 1st detox suncare for a global protection against environmental aggressors, sun & pollution.
All skin types
The 1st detox suncare for a global protection against environmental aggressors, sun & pollution.
All skin types
Yes, reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is important for maintaining effective sun protection. Even high-SPF sunscreens can become less effective over time, particularly after sweating, swimming, towelling off or prolonged outdoor exposure.
For optimal protection, sunscreen should be reapplied regularly according to the product instructions. To make reapplication easier, choose lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas with an invisible finish, such as Photoderm XDefense Ultra-Fluid SPF50+, which can be comfortably worn throughout the day without feeling heavy on the skin.
When choosing a sunscreen for daily use, texture plays an important role in both comfort and how well the product fits into your skincare routine. Lightweight, ultra-fluid sunscreens are particularly popular because they suit most skin types, absorb quickly and layer easily over serums and moisturisers without feeling heavy or greasy. For example, Photoderm XDefense Ultra-Fluid SPF50+ features an ultra-light, dry-touch formula designed for comfortable daily wear and invisible protection. Tinted versions can also help even out the complexion and provide a healthy-looking glow, making them a convenient alternative to foundation for a natural, everyday finish.
