Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is an essential part of any skin care routine, so it’s important to know how much sunscreen to use on your face. And if you aren’t wearing sunscreen daily, whether it be mineral sunscreen or chemical sunscreen, it’s time to get on board. When correctly applied, it can combat premature aging, sunburn, and most importantly, skin cancer.
Or as Dr. Annette Czernik, a board-certified dermatologist in Stamford, Connecticut, says, “Daily sunscreen application is one of the best things you can do for your skin.”
So, how can you make sure you’re getting the full protection benefits from your sunscreen? First off, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a sufficient SPF. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher for the body and face. SPF 30 is the baseline, but many dermatologists agree SPF 50 is the gold standard. From 50 on, it doesn’t make that much of a difference.
According to Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Massachusetts, SPF 100 only offers a marginal amount of extra protection. “There is a heavy misconception in some consumers that a higher SPF means indefinite time in the sun, when in reality, the best practice is to reapply your sunscreen for every hour or two you are out in the sun, depending on your activity level and type,” she says.
And remember, your neck and décolletage are equally exposed to the same UV rays when you’re outside. “Patients don’t realize it’s not just the face that gets a significant amount of sun exposure,” says Taryn Huizenga, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City, a Schweiger Dermatology Group practice. “Often, patients will also wear a hat with a brim—that may cover the face but may not adequately protect the neck or the décolletage. It’s very important to treat them the same and protect both with sunscreen every day.”
Keep reading for sunscreen need-to-knows, according to experts.
How much sunscreen should I use on my face?
There are a few methods to make sure you’re applying the sufficient amount of sunscreen. According to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, a good rule of thumb is the two-fingers rule. “Draw the sunscreen out on your index and middle finger, roughly about half a teaspoon, or if easier, try for around a nickel-size amount,” she says.
You want to aim for at least a “thin layer” all over the face, which achieves the SPF on the label. “The exact amount to achieve your sunscreen’s SPF is 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin, but that’s too complicated to remember,” Dr. Nazarian explains. “The two-fingers rule can effectively help you protect your face with sunscreen, without too much hassle.”
“One mistake I find that most people make is using too little sunscreen,” Dr. Czernik says. “If you use too little sunscreen, you won’t be getting the protection that’s labeled on the bottle.” Like Dr. Nazarian, she recommends a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen (about one-quarter teaspoon) to cover your face.
Dr. Czernik adds that the two-finger sunscreen is a great visual tool to use for applying sunscreen because not all faces or sunscreen formulas are alike. “The length of your index finger and middle finger covered in sunscreen is about how much you will need for your face,” she explains. “People have different-sized faces, and there are different formulas, so you can use this as a guide. Make sure to cover your entire face and don’t forget the hairline, ears, around your jaw, and tops of your hands.”
