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Sun care

When should you apply sunscreen, and how often?

4 min readCroen Beauty
A woman applying sunscreen to her arm on a beach under a blue sky
Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

Quick answer

Apply sunscreen about 15–20 minutes before going out in the sun, as the last step of your skincare routine. Reapply every two hours outdoors, as well as after swimming, sweating and towel-drying. If you wear make-up, sunscreen goes underneath.

When should you apply it?

Apply sunscreen before you leave the house, that is, before sun exposure. The morning order is: cleanser → toner → serum → moisturiser → sunscreen. Waiting a few minutes after spreading the sunscreen evenly helps make-up stay on better.

How often should you reapply?

  • Every two hours outdoors
  • After swimming in the sea or pool
  • After heavy sweating
  • After towel-drying

If you work indoors all day and not by a window, the cream applied in the morning is enough in most cases; if you go out at lunchtime, reapplying is a good habit.

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied after the pool or the sea.
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied after the pool or the sea. Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

Under or over make-up?

Sunscreen always goes under make-up. An SPF BB cream or foundation can be used as an extra layer, but because these products are usually not applied as generously as sunscreen, they do not provide enough protection on their own. For top-ups over make-up during the day, powders or sprays with sun protection can be used.

Croen Sunscreen Cream

Croen Sunscreen Cream SPF 50+ is a 100 ml pump sunscreen with UVA and UVB filters that contains bisabolol, panthenol and arbutin.

Croen Sunscreen Cream SPF 50+, 100 ml.
Croen Sunscreen Cream SPF 50+, 100 ml.

Frequently asked questions

Is sunscreen necessary in winter?

Yes. UVA rays reach the earth all year round and can pass through clouds; snow reflects light and increases exposure.

How much sunscreen should you put on your face?

About two finger-lengths of cream are recommended for the face and neck.

Does sunscreen sting the eyes?

Take care when applying around the eyes; in case of contact with the eyes, rinse with plenty of water.

This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If you have a persistent skin condition, please consult a dermatologist.