How Much Sunscreen To Use on Your Face & Body

Experts, like the <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-much-sunscreen-should-i-be-using-on-my-face-and-body/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Skin Cancer Foundation</a>, recommend applying roughly two tablespoons of sunscreen to your body—about the size of a shot glass. For your face, it’s recommended to apply a nickel-sized amount. If you’re using a spray or stick, it’s best to apply it liberally over your skin until you see a sheen on your skin’s surface.2

How Often Should you Reapply Sunscreen?

Typically, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if you’re outdoors, as well as after sweating or swimming. If you’re indoors, away from windows, one application should suffice.3

How Long Does Sunscreen Last?

The <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/124655/download" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Food & Drug Administration</a> (FDA) requires that all sunscreens are formulated to last at least three years. Of course, always be sure to keep track of your sunscreen’s expiration date on the package.4

What Is Mineral Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, helps protect your skin by forming a barrier to block the sun’s damaging UV rays. This type of SPF contains ingredients such as <a href="https://www.cerave.com/skincare/zinc-oxide" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">zinc oxide</a>, titanium dioxide, or a combination of the two.

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Sunscreens

Q: How Long Does Sunscreen Last?

The <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/124655/download" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Food &amp; Drug Administration</a> (FDA) requires that all sunscreens are formulated to last at least three years. Of course, always be sure to keep track of your sunscreen&rsquo;s expiration date on the package.4

Compare Sunscreens

Find the Right Sunscreen for You

	Skin Type	Concern	Key Benefits	Key Ingredients	Texture
Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body	Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body	All Skin Types; Sensitive Skin, Acne-Prone Skin	Sun Protection; Hydrating	Hybrid blend of sun filters help absorb and reflect the sun's damaging rays Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, won't pill under makeup, won't transfer onto clothes, run into your eyes, or move from forehead when you sweat Multi-benefit sunscreen helps protect from the sun while also delivering instant hydration that lasts all day long, blends seamlessly for an invisible look and weightless, non-greasy feel	Ceramides, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide	Lotion
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30	AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30	Normal to Dry	Hydration; Sun Protection	Provides Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen with InVisibleZinc™ Technology Provides continuous hydration through the day for healthy-looking skin and helps restore skin's protective barrier	Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid	Lightweight Lotion
Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion	Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion	Normal to Oily Skin	Hydration; Sun Protection	All-day lightweight hydration with a matte finish and helps restore skin's protective barrier Provides Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to help protect skin from UVA and UVB rays	Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid	Ultra-Lightweight Lotion
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint, Shade: Medium	Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint, Shade: Medium	Shade: Medium; All Skin types including Acne-Prone Skin and Sensitive Skin	Sun Protection; Hydrating	100% mineral; Forms a protective barrier on your skin’s surface to help reflect the sun’s UVA and UVB rays without irritating sensitive skin Sheer tint seamlessly blends into all skin tones to offset whitening effect of mineral filters, leaves skin with a healthy glow Can be worn alone or under makeup	Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide	Tinted lotion
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50	AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50	Normal to Dry	Hydration; Sun Protection	Provides Broad Spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen that helps absorb and reflect sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays plus lightweight hydration Blends easily into all skin tones	Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid	Lightweight Lotion

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Need more knowledge about sunscreen?

Sun protection is an essential step in your daily skincare routine. In fact, using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is a fundamental part of protecting all skin types from the detrimental effects of UV rays—no matter your age. Without it, your skin is vulnerable to the host of issues sun damage can bring.¹ To ensure your skin is getting all the protection it deserves, all of our mineral sunscreen formulas contain three essential ceramides to help restore and maintain your skin barrier and lock in moisture.

Find the Best Sunscreen for Your Skin

There’s a face and body CeraVe sunscreen for everyone, including sunscreen for oily skin, children, and babies, as well as those with sensitive skin and other concerns.

FAQ

Find the answers to some frequently asked questions about sunscreen below.

Experts, like the Skin Cancer Foundation, recommend applying roughly two tablespoons of sunscreen to your body—about the size of a shot glass. For your face, it’s recommended to apply a nickel-sized amount. If you’re using a spray or stick, it’s best to apply it liberally over your skin until you see a sheen on your skin’s surface.²
Typically, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if you’re outdoors, as well as after sweating or swimming. If you’re indoors, away from windows, one application should suffice.³
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all sunscreens are formulated to last at least three years. Of course, always be sure to keep track of your sunscreen’s expiration date on the package.⁴
Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, helps protect your skin by forming a barrier to block the sun’s damaging UV rays. This type of SPF contains ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or a combination of the two.

References

1. Photoaging: What You Need to Know About the Other Kind of Aging; Skin Cancer Foundation: https://www.skincancer.org/blog/photoaging-what-you-need-to-know/

2. Ask the Expert: How Much Sunscreen Should I Be Using on My Face and Body?; Skin Cancer Foundation: https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-much-sunscreen-should-i-be-using-on-my-face-and-body/

3. Sunscreen & Your Morning Routine; Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine

4. Is sunscreen from last year still good? When does sunscreen expire?; Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sunscreen-expire/faq-20057957

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