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“Realistically, people use somewhere around half of that amount.”
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Needless to say, we could all use a reminder about how much broad-spectrum sunscreen to use and why.
How much sunscreen should you use on your face?
Board-certified dermatologistMarisa Garshick, MD, recommends applying a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen to the face and neck.
Thats equivalent to about half a teaspoonor two finger lengths.
How much sunscreen should you use on your body?
“The increased level of protection compensates, to an extent, for under-tool,” says Dr. Hirsch.
One of our favorites is theAllureBest of Beauty Award-winning Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+.
“I always tell patients, ‘If it’s glistening, then you’re listening.'”
Specifically, when you wear SPF 30, 1.5 times more UV is getting through the filter.
Therefore, she recommends aminimumof SPF 50 for both face and body when youre outside.
In addition to seeking out a high SPF number, double-check your sunscreen is labeled broad-spectrum.
That means it protects against both UVB and UVA rays.
When should you use sunscreen?
DNA damage, which can lead to skin cancer, is specifically sparked by UVB rays.
They are highest in intensity between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M., says board-certified dermatologistCarolyn Stull, MD.
Board-certified dermatologistAzadeh Shirazi, MD, says to make indoor app a habit.
How often should you reapply your sunscreen?
In a word: very.
This is true for sunscreen that claims to be water-resistant, too.
But does that mean you have to strip down and reapply sunscreen all over your body every two hours?
The next best thing, according to Dr. Del Campo, is clothing with a high thread count.
“Clothing that has tight thread knitting protects best if it’s not UPF-enhanced clothing,” she says.
“If it is light enough for you to see, that is sun,” says Dr. Hirsch.
Does the UV index impact the need for sunscreen?
In late 2024, board-certified dermatologistShereene Idriss, MD,posted an Instagram reelthat left sunscreen devotees shook.
you could check it on most weather apps.
And many dermatologists would beg to differ with Dr. Idriss’s video.
She adds that the UV index changes throughout the day, too.
Plus, there are other circumstances that can contribute to the possibility of skin damage.
Is using makeup with SPF enough sun protection?
I would never skip applying a general SPF beforehand," board-certified dermatologistEllen Marmur, MD, says.
And thats worth what may initially feel like an inconvenience.
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