Why You Keep Getting Sunburnt Even When You’re Wearing Sunscreen

Are you noticing that you’re still dealing with sunburns, even when you’re wearing sunscreen every day? As the summer sun shines on, there could be several reasons why you’re still dealing with frustratingly red skin. To avoid any further damage, read on to find out what exactly the problem might be. 

Application

One of the main reasons you may still be getting sunburnt is because you’re not applying enough sunscreen. Ensure you use a generous amount and apply everywhere, including easy-to-miss spots like your ears and feet. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover the average adult body not covered by clothes. (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.) The more sunscreen you use, the better protected your skin is from harmful UV rays.

When applying, look to make sure you are applying an even coverage across your body. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend to help you apply on your back and in spots you can’t reach! 

Despite being a thicker part of your skin, most people experience scalp sunburns when they don’t think to apply sunscreen or use a layer of protection. To avoid a scalp sunburn, wear a hat when exposed to the sun.

Check Your Expirations!

Before applying your sunscreen, check that the expiration date has not passed. Expired sunscreen not only increases your risk of burning due to being oxidized and having a reduced SPF protection, but can also have other harmful bacteria and degraded ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. These expired products are also prone to clumping and separating, leading to uneven coverage. (DiamondTome Pro, n.d.; Care Dermatology, n.d.)

Whether you use your sunscreen every day or found one in your beach bag from last summer, always take the time to check if it’s time for a refresh. All FDA approved sunscreens will require a stamped expiration date on the bottle. If you can’t find a date, assume that the expiration is three years after the date of purchase. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.) Cove Suncare products expire 2-3 years after purchase depending on the product. 

Apply then Reapply

If you’re wearing your sunscreen but keep getting burnt, have you ensured that you’ve reapplied properly? Whether you’re swimming to beat the heat or lounging in the sun, it’s likely that the water or your sweat are combating the effectiveness of your SPF. On those hot summer days, it’s best to reapply more often. While the rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours when exposed to sun, consider reapplying sooner when heavily sweating. (Cleveland Clinic, 2025)

Most sunscreens are sweat and water resistant for up to 40-80 minutes, so ensure that you apply as soon as you get out of the water and towel off. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.) Cove Suncare’s products are sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. For quick reapplication without the heavy or greasy feeling, consider Mist Me for on-the-go coverage! 

References:

American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). How to apply sunscreen. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen

Care Dermatology. (n.d.). Is expired sunscreen better than no sunscreen? https://caredermatology.com/is-expired-sunscreen-better-than-no-sunscreen/

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, March 25). How often should you reapply sunscreen? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-often-to-reapply-sunscreen

DiamondTome Pro. (n.d.). Can you use expired sunscreen? https://www.diamondtomepro.com/blog/can-you-use-expired-sunscreen/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/