Should You Wear Sunscreen on Your Wedding Day?

Whether you’re getting married in sunny Barcelona or on the snowy mountaintops in Utah, there's one product that should be at the top of your beauty must-have list: sunscreen. Come rain, shine, sleet, or snow, it's important to always stay protected from those harmful UV rays. But while everyone knows the benefits of applying SPF, it can be a pain to put on at even the best of times.

Luckily, formulas are more elegant now than ever before, so with a little pre-planning, you can stay protected without much effort once it's time to say "I do." And to make wearing sunscreen on the big day even less of a task, we’ve asked a dermatologist and makeup artist to provide the best tips and tricks when using this beauty product.

Ahead, find out why SPF is so important (especially on your wedding day), which formula works best with makeup, and everything you need to know about reapplication.

The Importance of Wearing Sunscreen

Before we dive into answering the big question, let’s outline exactly why SPF is so important. “Sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ife Rodney. “Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.”

What's more, certain UV rays have the ability to pass through clouds, so even if you aren’t getting sunburned, the sun is still causing damage to your skin, even during the worst weather days. Sunscreen then comes in to save the day by acting as “a barrier, absorbing or reflecting these rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin,” Dr. Rodney says.

And while applying SPF in the morning is vital, reapplication throughout the day is equally as important. “Reapplication of sunscreen is essential, especially in sunny climates, because sunscreen's effectiveness diminishes over time due to general evaporation, sweating, water exposure, and rubbing,” explains Dr. Rodney, further noting that you should reapply every two hours to ensure maximum protection.

Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen on Your Wedding Day?

To no surprise, yes, you should plan to wear sunscreen on your wedding day. This is particularly true if it's a sunny climate and you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors. The last thing you want is to get burnt on your big day or have excessive sun exposure just before your honeymoon. The same rule also applies to if it's raining or cloudy, as UV rays can still damage your skin, no matter the weather.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. “Of course, factors like the length of the wedding and the timing of the wedding will matter,” Dr. Rodney adds. For example, if you’re getting married later in the day, in the evening, or your wedding is entirely indoors without sunlight flooding the room, then you might decide not to wear sunscreen. Use your judgment or speak to your makeup artist ahead of the day to decide what’s best. 

Lastly, not only is it necessary to remember to wear sunscreen on your wedding day, but it's crucial that you wear it ahead of your celebrations as well. “The goal is to have healthy, radiant skin that makes you feel confident on your special day; sunscreen plays an important role in this leading up to and on your wedding,” says Dr. Rodney. Keeping up on SPF can also minimize hyperpigmentation and flare-ups from skin conditions like rosacea. 

Tips for Wearing Sunscreen on Your Wedding Day

Now that you understand the basics, there are a few additional things to know to ensure you're protected from UV rays on your big day, as highlighted below.

Pay attention to your SPF formula.

There are two main types of sunscreen, mineral and chemical, and special consideration should be placed when choosing a formulation that works best for you. For starters, mineral (also known as physical) sunscreens are often thicker in consistency, and slightly more sweat and water-resistant. They do leave a white cast or residue, however, increasing the potential for a "flashback" effect in wedding photos.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are absorbed into the skin, so they're often clear in appearance and don’t leave a cast. They’re also easier to work with when it comes to makeup application. A con? Chemical SPF isn't suitable for all skin types, so this option may not be viable for brides with sensitive skin.

Consider a spray formula.

According to makeup artist Andrew Dention, spray formulas also are a great choice for brides as they can be used both before and after makeup, and "work in the same style as a setting spray,” he says. Further explaining that they create "a veil over your makeup that won’t disturb the wearability and longevity of your makeup." The best part? There are tons of spray formulas on the market, so our advice is to try a few out and see which one suits your skin type and preferences best.

Be sure to apply enough sunscreen.

For liquid formulas, two finger lengths are typically enough for the face and neck, and four passes are usually best for spray formulas. This also means that you shouldn't solely rely on the SPF in your makeup for adequate sun protection. Simply put, don't cut corners when protecting your skin.

Don't forget about your body.

Though getting sunscreen on your wedding dress is never ideal, getting burnt on your big day is even worse. That's why Denton recommends applying body sunscreen at least one hour before putting on your wedding dress to avoid both mishaps. “Throughout the day, I would suggest applying lightly to avoid transfer,” he adds, also highlighting that light, yet regular, formulas work better than “once-a-day sunscreens that have a tendency to leave terrible yellow marks.” If your wedding day is going to be in a sunny climate where you’ll need to top-up SPF throughout the day, it’s worthwhile testing different formulas on other white garments ahead of the main event.