Video:How to Apply Sunscreen

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Transcript:How to Apply Sunscreen

Hi, I'm Lynn Reynolds for About.com. Spending time outdoors is one of life's great pleasures. But while the warm sun may feel great on your skin, it can also age your skin and cause skin cancer. Today, I'm going to show you how to apply sunscreen so that your skin is protected from the sun's rays.

How Much Sunscreen to Apply

First, shake your sunscreen to make sure it's well-mixed. Most people use too little sunscreen for it to be effective. Use at least an ounce, which is about a handful, for your whole body. Start from your feet and work your way up your body, so that you don't miss any parts. If you're wearing a bikini, it's easiest to just apply sunscreen when you're naked. Work your way up your body, paying attention to the areas that are easy to forget: the tops of the feet, the backs of the calves and the backs of the knees, where your clothes meet your skin, upper arms and back, the back of your neck, the tops of your ears, all over your face--don't skip parts, and use a lot of sunscreen here; go under any hair that falls on your face, and into your hairline if that part's exposed.

Always Re-Apply Sunscreen

Here's a really important point to remember about sunscreen: Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before you go out in the sun. This gives it the time it needs to absorb into your skin. After 30 minutes is up, go have your fun in the sun. Once you're out in the sun, it's not a bad idea to reapply just to make sure you haven't missed any spots. Always reapply after swimming, toweling off, or doing an activity where you sweat a lot. Regardless of activity or SPF rating, always reapply every two hours.