How To Apply Sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen. It should have an <span class="caps">SPF</span> of at least 15 and block <span class="caps">UVA</span> rays, which cause wrinkles and brown spots, and <span class="caps">UVB</span> rays, which cause sunburn.

Check the product’s expiration date to make sure it will still be effective. If the date has passed, or if you know you bought the sunscreen over three years ago, you’re due for new bottle.

Check the clock: You should apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before you enter the sun to give it time to fully absorb.

Shake the sunscreen to mix it and squeeze some into your hand. You should use about an ounce—or two tablespoons—to cover your whole body.

Generously rub sunscreen on all the areas of your body that may be exposed to the sun, like your feet, legs, torso, back, shoulders, arms, hands, neck, and face.

Pay special attention to areas you might forget or miss, like near the edge of a bathing suit, your lips, your ears, near your eyes, and your scalp or the part in your hair.

For harder-to-reach areas, especially your back, ask a friend to apply the sunscreen for you.

Reapply sunscreen all over after you’ve been in the sun for two hours—or sooner if you’ve been swimming, sweating, or rubbing against a towel.