How to use sunscreen on face without looking like a ghost

How to use sunscreen on your face without looking like a powdered donut or a ghost is quite easy if you know some basic rules, more like a guideline, of applying sunscreen. You might think sunscreen is just for beach bunnies and palm tree lovers, but here’s the thing, it’s your skin that is getting the brunt of it. That summer tan may look great, but in the long run it leads to damaged skin, ageing and might we drop the “c” word which ends with “er.” Think of sunscreen as an armour against the sun's evil plot to turn you into a wrinkly, leather-faced raisin. Think of it as your weapon in the battle against premature ageing and looking like a worn-out saddle.

Oftentimes with sunscreen, there’s a way to use it, otherwise you’ll end up looking like Casper. Before you slap a skimpy amount of white paste on your face, here’s an ultimate guide on how to use sunscreen on your face without leaving a white cast and looking like a ghost.

How to use sunscreen on face without looking like a ghost

Finding the right sunscreen that is suitable for your skin is like finding the right partner. Like in your relationships, with sunscreen be prepared for a lot of trial and error. The trick is to look for the ones that are labelled as non-comedogenic or sheer. Here's why: one, they are usually designed to be lightweight, and two, they tend to absorb easily into the skin without leaving a white residue. When you're buying a sunscreen, look for the one that is specifically formulated for the face as they tend to be lighter in texture.

With sunscreens, quality and quantity are of equal importance, it’s not either-or. A small squirt of it is not going to help you protect your skin from UV and UVA rays. Experts recommend one ounce of sunscreen to be used on your face everyday. If that's confusing, then the best way to measure how much sunscreen to slather on your face is the two finger rule, where you apply sunscreen on two fingers, like a toothpaste on a toothbrush, and use it all on your face.

Yes, two fingers full of sunscreen is quite a lot to apply on your face. So the trick here is to take your time and blend it thoroughly into your skin. Make sure to cover all areas evenly, including, eyelids, hairline, ears and jawline. Do not forget the neck. Rub the sunscreen into your skin until it's fully absorbed. If there’s residue on your hand then just add it, put it on your fingers or your elbows if they are exposed. Once you apply the sunscreen, give it a few minutes for it to settle on your skin. This will make sure that it gets fully absorbed by your skin so that there is no white cast on your face.

Now that you’re getting serious about sunscreens, let’s go deeper into it. When it comes to choosing sunscreens, you primarily have two options: physical and chemical. What’s the difference, you ask. Well, physical sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin, like a shield or wall of protection, while chemical sunscreens sink into your skin, like a sponge. How does it matter to you, you ask. Here’s the thing, while physical sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, making them suitable for sensitive skin types, they tend to be thicker and leave a white cast. Chemical sunscreens have a lightweight texture, which makes them ideal for everyday wear under makeup or other skincare products, but there has been some debate over the potential absorption of chemical sunscreen ingredients into the bloodstream, although more research is needed to fully understand any associated risks.

It may sound like too much work, but if you want to look young, with clear, non-damaged skin, then do not forget to reapply sunscreen. It only protects you for about two-three hours, after which you need to reapply the same amount (two fingers), especially if you’re outdoors, sweating or swimming in the sun. Before you reapply, make sure to wipe off the residue and clean your face.