Sunscreen is an essential step in every skincare routine. It wards off sun damage, reduces the risk of skin cancer and prevents dark spots and wrinkles. Even if you’re already in the habit of lathering up before you head outside, listen up: You probably need to slather on even more.
We should all wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15, since anyone is at risk for getting skin cancer. But SPF 30 or higher is your safest bet for stronger protection. Sunscreen application isn’t a one-and-done scenario, either. You should reapply sunscreen regularly, at least every 2 hours, and more frequently if you’re sweating a lot or swimming.
But is it enough to apply a small dab of sunscreen, or should you slather a handful on? And what should you do if you use products like makeup or moisturizers that already have an SPF rating? Keep reading for more guidance from dermatologist Dr. Caren Campbell.
Read more: Best Sunscreen
How to apply an adequate amount of sunscreen
For starters, Campbell says that most people aren’t applying nearly enough sunscreen. “Studies show that most people only apply 25 to 50% of [the] recommended amount of sunscreen,” says Campbell. And if you don’t apply enough, you may not be getting the amount of protection that’s listed on the label.
The amount that Campbell recommends for the average adult is “1 ounce of sunscreen, which is the size of a shot glass,” she says. She prefers a liquid sunscreen over a spray, even though they can be convenient. “Spray sunscreens are always going to fall at the bottom of our list, as they’re difficult to ensure good coverage on the exposed areas of the body,” says Campbell.
If you have a hard time envisioning what 1 ounce looks like, esthetician and influencer Tiara Willis popularized the “two-finger rule,” which says that you should apply two fingers’ worth of sunscreen.
When you apply your sunscreen, don’t forget to apply to those often forgotten areas, like your ears, the tops of your feet, head (including the scalp) and neck. “Some of the most aggressive skin cancers occur on your temples, ears and lips oftentimes because those are areas of the body that stick out and get more sun, but also because we forget to lather them in sunscreen,” Campbell says.
