More and more beauty products—foundations and makeup primers, for example—are formulated with Sun Protection Factors (SPF). These products should be used in conjunction with sunscreen to boost the anti-UV effects on your skin.
 
Luckily, we’re getting away from the days when applying sunscreen meant excessive chalky whiteners and strange odors. Plenty of sunscreen products today deliver strong UV protection without affecting your complexion.
 
Still have some questions? Here is a quick FAQ on how to use sunscreen the right way.

Tropical regions have particularly high levels of UV radiation, so use sunscreen year round if you live there. Start using sunscreen no later than March if you live in a more moderate climate like Europe, the US, or Japan. Spring marks the beginning of a sharp spike in UV radiation, even when the temperature is cool. At the same time, your skin has low levels of melanin to protect itself. So take some preventative measures by starting a sunscreen regimen early on.

Think about where you live, what you plan to do, and your environment when choosing a sunscreen. Will you use it for run-of-the-mill daily activities? Or, a beach holiday? Different sunscreen products usually have a combination of different sun blocking agents. So remember to choose a sunscreen product with lower SPF or PA levels if exposure is low, and higher levels if you expect to be hanging out in the sun all day long.

Don’t be shy about applying sunscreen, but don’t overdo it either. Cover every part of your body you think might be exposed to UV rays, not just the face. Get to areas like the neck, shoulder, and upper chest. Keep in mind that perspiration can lead to sunscreen wearing off quickly in the summer months, so reapply as needed.

Sunscreen should be applied in the morning and removed in the evening, on the same day. Do a thorough cleansing to remove everything. If you use makeup bases and foundation with UV protection, use the Double Cleansing method to ensure total removal.