Clinique’s guiding dermatologists agree that wearing daily UV protection is one of the most effective ways to help protect skin against visible signs of premature aging. If you’re only wearing SPF at the beach, your skin isn’t getting the protection it needs. The walk around the neighborhood, the trip to the store—all that incidental exposure adds up. All the more reason to be vigilant about including face sunscreen in your skincare routine.

Clinique has a few sheer formulas for face that work great under makeup. Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector has a blend of mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients. City Block™ Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 25 is a lightweight mineral formula with no chemical sunscreens. It’s also safe for sensitive skin. For a virtually invisible option, try our SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face.

Apply face sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine, before makeup. Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize—then smooth on sunscreen. Be sure to apply enough. For face, our guiding dermatologists recommend a thorough application. Reapply sunscreen every two hours. 

It’s best to wait a few minutes to allow sunscreen to fully dry before applying makeup. Avoid touching your skin while it dries.

Wearing a minimum SPF 15 every day (and reapplying it every two hours) helps protect skin from incidental sun exposure. If you plan to be outdoors for any length of time, wear additional sunscreen with a higher SPF—even if you’re going to be in the shade. UV rays bounce, so skin can burn in the shade. The same goes for a beach day. Wear a sunscreen with a high broad-spectrum SPF and reapply it every two hours. It’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing and limit time in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

UV rays can penetrate clouds, so it’s important to wear sunscreen on cloudy days, snow days—whenever you’re outdoors, even for a short period of time. Sun damage can happen with brief intervals of exposure, and day-to-day sun exposure can add up. The time of day can also give you a false sense of security. You may wear sunscreen at midday when the sun is strongest, but even at 5 p.m. there are UV rays that can damage your skin. Always err on the side of caution. Your skin is worth it.

Clinique’s moisturizers with broad spectrum SPF include Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Wrinkle Correcting Cream and Moisture Surge™ Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator. For skin-perfecting makeup coverage with SPF, try our bestselling Even Better™ foundations.