You remembered to put sunscreen on this morning. That alone deserves a gold star. But here’s the thing most people don’t realise: that one-and-done layer doesn’t last. Whether you’re out for a walk, working near a window, or running errands in the heat, your SPF is slowly checking out by the time lunch rolls around. So…how often should you reapply sunscreen?
Short answer: more often than you think. Long answer: it depends on what your day looks like, how sweaty you get, what you’re wearing, and whether you’re using something you’ll actually want to reapply.
How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen? That Depends…
Most advice given in response to the question ‘How often should I reapply sunscreen?’ says every two hours. It’s a good rule of thumb to follow when spending time outside, and you’d be wise to follow it. You see, the sun’s rays slowly degrade the protection afforded by sunscreen, as do your skin’s own oils.
The same goes for water. Sunscreen doesn’t just fade from sunlight, as it can also be washed away. Whether you’re swimming, sweating, or toweling off, each of those things strips some of the protection off your skin. That’s why many sunscreens include water resistance ratings, and why reapplication becomes even more important in those conditions.
Depending on the label, you may need to reapply every 40 to 80 minutes or even sooner if you don’t own a product that offers some kind of water-resistance. It’s less about the clock and more about what you’re doing and what sunscreen you’re wearing.
What If You’re Not Outside All Day?
If you’re in and out—say, walking to work, driving with the windows down, eating lunch on a bench—you’re still picking up sun exposure in small doses. And those quick moments can add up more than you’d think. The tricky part is that you don’t always feel it happening. No sunburn, no warning. Just a slow build of cumulative damage over time.
That’s why reapplying sunscreen isn’t just for beach days or long hikes. Even if you’re only outside in short bursts, staying topped up makes a difference. The more consistent you are, the better the payoff.
Have You Ever Thought About Trying a Sunscreen Stick?
If reapplying lotion every two hours sounds unrealistic, that’s fair. No one wants greasy hands or a full re-do in the middle of their day. That’s why sunscreen sticks are kind of a game-changer. You just swipe them on—no mess, no mirror, no excuse not to do it. They’re perfect for your face, ears, neck, hands… basically all the spots that get forgotten.
And unlike sprays or pumps, a stick fits in your bag or pocket without leaking everywhere. They’re discreet enough for work, fast enough for parents chasing kids, and clean enough that you can reapply on the go without needing a sink or a plan.
How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen? Let the Activity Dictate the Answer
As we’ve seen, you’ll ideally be putting on every two hours when you’re out in the sun. If you’re only going outdoors for short periods of time, you can limit reapplication to just before you go out. However, if you’re swimming or sweating because of exercise or hard work, you definitely have to act sooner, or immediately if your sunscreen isn’t water-resistant.
Also, a sunscreen stick can make reapplication quick and natural, so you actually do it when it counts. Sun protection only works when you stick with it, which means that when you buy the right product, it can make all the difference.
