Sunscreen is a must in any skincare routine, but it can be super inconvenient and annoying when you put it on and there are grainy clumps of product all over your face. This is known as “pilling,” and when this happens, your skin isn’t getting the full protection you were promised, so this is how to prevent pilling from happening.

The two main causes of your sunscreen pilling are the products you’re using and the order you apply them in, so lighter products always go on first and heaviest products last. If you use them in the incorrect order, your skin can’t absorb the products which leave you with pilling sunscreen, and you shouldn’t use too many products as that can irritate your skin, especially silicones.

To reduce the likelihood of pilling, make sure your skin is clean, so gently exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and minimize the use of heavy products in your routine. Wait 30 to 60 seconds before your next step so your skin can fully absorb each product, and then pat the sunscreen onto your skin — and remember, sunscreen should be used every day.