Fashion

Here's How Often You Should Use Sunscreen

by Sienna Fantozzi

Jan. 4, 2016

I think we can all agree that the most fundamental beauty rule for healthy skin is to use sunscreen. It will protect against skin cancer, aging, and damage to the skin from the UV rays, so naturally, you want to slather it on. But what you may not be sure of is how often you should use sunscreen? Everyone is going to have their own opinion, so it's probably better to go directly to the experts and find out what's best for your skin, according to science.

Whatever your friends/mom/or the sunscreen bottle says, if you are going to be outside, you need sunscreen. So if you're outside every day, then you need sunscreen every day. Even if it's cloudy. Even if it's raining. Unless it's pitch black dark out — say it with me — you need sunscreen. But how often do you have to reapply it? I mean, that isn't always easy once you've put your makeup on and stuff. Is it a one-time application and you're good to go kind of thing?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you need to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply it every two hours. However, if you swim or sweat, you'll need to reapply it after that.

Now that you know what to do, shop these products to help protect your skin. (And apply them every two hours!).