It’s not just a matter of wearing sunscreen; you also need to make sure you’re applying it at the right time in your beauty routine, which depend on the type of SPF you’re using. “If you’re using a physical sunscreen, it needs to be the last thing you put on your face on top of makeup,” says Dr. Deanne Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut. “If it’s a chemical sunscreen, it would need to be applied under your makeup.” Physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin to create a physical barrier, whereas chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin to absorb, convert, and release UV rays. Sobel recommends setting a timer on your phone if you plan to be out in the sun for longer than 45 minutes. At the beach or pool, sunscreen should also be reapplied every time you get out of the water. “If you are wearing makeup, reapply with an SPF powder or use a microfiber sponge to reapply liquid sunscreen,” he says. “Also, remember to protect your scalp using sunscreens especially designed for the hair and scalp, or with a hat that has UPF protection.” With shaving and waxing, it’s best to give yourself 24 to 48 hours. For laser hair removal, Felicia Taghizadeh, the owner of Arizona Facial Plastics, says to wait much longer. “If you are going to be in the sun or outside within 10 days of a laser treatment, you can damage your results, cause pigmentation issues, and delay healing. Lasers are great when you have time indoors to recover,” she says. Laying out in the sun to create a tan isn’t any better. There are plenty of faux tan alternatives that will give you that summer glow without increasing your risk of cancer or premature aging. Try St. Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Lotion ($29; amazon.com). Even if you weren’t at the pool or beach, it’s still important to wash your face before bed. “Failing to cleanse your face adequately at night leaves sunscreen, pollen, oils, and sweat on your skin,” says Wright. “Simply cleansing your skin is often not enough. You need to lather and rinse your skin twice to fully remove all those impurities. Doing this will make skin appear clearer and healthier.”
