Remember the first time you bought sunscreen, thinking how cool it looked in advertisements? But, back then, we didn’t all know if we were making sunscreen mistakes while applying. It’s 2025, and people still believe applying sunscreen is not a necessity, which is a big mistake.
Applying sunscreen is one of those skincare steps we can’t afford to skip, yet we do, right? There have been many speculations made around how much is to be applied, when it is needed, and which is the best sunscreen for oily skin. From applying to little or adding to your foundation, in this blog, you will get all your answers.
Dermatologists or any skin specialist would certainly emphasize the need for applying sunscreen SPF 50 or higher correctly. Your choice of sunscreen should reflect how much time you spend outside. Once you know the mistakes to avoid, avoiding these errors is so easy.
Let’s understand the top 5 sunscreen mistakes we may be committing and how to correct them.
Sunscreen Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1 – Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy or Indoor Days
If you have recently bought sunscreen, then definitely you must be getting prep talk on “how much sunscreen to apply on face or whether you should apply it on a rainy day or not”. But let’s clear this confusion. One of the biggest myths around sunscreen is that you don’t have to use it on cloudy or indoor days.
Well, UV rays have new ways to damage your skin, no matter how cloudy it is. Around 80% of UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through the clouds and harm your skin directly, even while you’re sipping your coffee by the window. If you were under the misconception that those big windows in your home or office are saving you and your skin in those scorching summer heats, then it’s time to let it go. Those rays are responsible for the premature ageing or pigmentation, which you notice first thing in the morning.
Quick Fix: Just like you can’t start your day without brushing your teeth, make a habit of not stepping out without sunscreens like Suncote Sunscreen. It can shield you from UVA and UVB rays without feeling heavy on the skin.
Mistake 2 – Not Applying Enough Sunscreen
Here’s a truth bomb: most people apply only 25–50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. No wonder they still tan or burn!
So, how much sunscreen do you put on your face? Dermatologists recommend the “two-finger rule,” which is squeezing out sunscreen along the length of two fingers (index and middle) – that’s how much you put on your face and neck. Use less than that, and you are asking to leave gaps in your protection.
Quick Fix: Always apply sufficient sunscreen. You must think of sunscreen like your safety blanket against the sun. You wouldn’t only use half a blanket, would you?
Mistake 3 – Forgetting to Reapply
Applying sunscreen in the morning and then heading out for the whole day is like charging your phone once a week and expecting it to last. Sunscreen doesn’t last forever. Sweat, oil, and environmental exposure break it down in about 2–3 hours.
That’s why dermatologists stress reapplication. Although reapplying is incredibly important, many people find it inconvenient. Use a lightweight, layering sunscreen like Barelyon Sunscreen SPF 50, which feels lovely on your skin and won’t fall off in balls. This makes touch-ups through the day feel much easier and more manageable.
Quick Fix: Don’t make an excuse like, “Oh, I can’t carry sunscreen…Where will I put it?” Go out and get yourself a pocket or travel-sized sunscreen you can keep in your bag. You should be reapplying every 2-3 hours, especially if you are spending most of your time outdoors and sweating!
Mistake 4 – Using the Wrong Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
Here’s another classic sunscreen mistake using the wrong texture for your skin type. A heavy, greasy formula on oily skin? Breakouts guaranteed. A matte gel on dry skin? Flakiness incoming.
Different skin types need different formulations:
| Skin Type | What to Look For | Recommended Options |
| Oily/Acne-Prone | Gel-based, non-comedogenic, lightweight | Suncote Sunscreen, Barelyon Sunscreen SPF 50 |
| Dry Skin | Cream-based, hydrating, with moisturising agents | Lotion or cream sunscreens |
| Sensitive Skin | Mineral/physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide | Fragrance-free mineral sunscreens |
Quick Fix: Tired of unnecessary and constant sweating just because you have oily skin? Pick the best sunscreen for oily skin and bid farewell to the sweat. Tip is to buy a lightweight and gel-based sunscreen so it won’t clog your pores and pop out like acne.
Mistake 5 – Only Relying on Makeup With SPF
Raise your hand again if you’ve ever said, “My foundation already has SPF, so I don’t need sunscreen.” Sorry to burst your bubble, but SPF in makeup isn’t enough.
Why? Because makeup SPF is tested under huge amounts of product, way more than we ever apply. To get SPF 30 from foundation, you’d need to use layers so thick you’d look like a mannequin.
Quick Fix: Always apply sunscreen as your base, then layer makeup on top. Think of makeup with SPF as a bonus, not a replacement.
Quick Tips for Correct Sunscreen Use
- Choose SPF 30-50.
- Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every 2-3 hours or after swimming/sweating.
- Choose a compatible sunscreen texture with your skin type.
- Don’t forget sunscreens on your neck, ears, and the back of your hands.
Conclusion
Sunscreen isn’t a short seasonal fling, but your skin’s bodyguard for the whole year. By being aware of these common sunscreen mistakes and avoiding them, you are protecting yourself from tanning and premature aging & damage, and identifying healthy and glowing skin.
Dermatologists always encourage you to stick to easy breezy, usable, broad-spectrum endorsed formulas such as Barelyon Sunscreen SPF 50, or Suncote Sunscreen, two perfect to use in the Indian climate, regularly.
FAQs
1.Can I use sunscreen only once a day if I stay indoors?
It’s one of the sunscreen mistakes we all make. It’s a big No. UVA rays are able to penetrate glass, so even when you are indoors, you need to wear sunscreen. You should walk out in the morning only after applying it. And, don’t forget to reapply it during the day if you are sitting near window(s) or are using devices with blue light.
2. What is better, SPF 30 or sunscreen SPF 50?
Both SPF 30 and SPF 50 are sufficient for sun safety. For example, sunscreen SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays while sunscreen SPF 30 blocks 96% of UVB rays. Thus, if you are outside in the sun often, sunscreen SPF 50 is the better choice!
3. How do I reapply sunscreen over makeup?
When you are going to reapply sunscreen over your makeup, an airy sunscreen spray or cushion is a good option for touch-ups, or if you are using a gel-based sunscreen, you could just tap on some gel sunscreen like Barelyon Sunscreen SPF 50 and not disrupt your makeup.