This Is How Much Sunscreen You Need to Wear

By now you know that you need to wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from UV damage. But how much SPF do you actually need to wear on a regular day? Does less exposure to the sun mean you can skip the SPF? And how often do you need to reapply? For the answers to those questions, we reached out to a board-certified dermatologist who knows a thing or two about sun protection and SPF.

Even if you're staying indoors, you need to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Every. Single. Day.™

“We need to treat every day as a high sun exposure day because there’s no such thing as safe UV rays,” says Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based out of California. “It is important to keep in mind that we can still get sun damage on a cloudy or cold day. And, few people realize they can sustain sun damage indoors or in their cars, too.”

That's right; the sun’s UVA rays can shine through clouds and windows. While these rays won’t cause sunburn (that would be UVB rays, which can’t significantly penetrate glass), they can cause wrinkles, age spots and some skin cancers. Shamban says that building windows are rarely treated for sun protection and, that while car windshields can provide UVA and UVB protection, side windows do not. “When driving, we are exposing ourselves—usually in an exaggerated amount—to damage and accelerating skin aging on our driver’s side,” she says.

Luckily, we've created plenty of SPF skincare products that make it easy to add sun protection to your everyday routine like Glowscreen SPF 40, our radiant SPF primer, and Triple Prep SPF 40, a weightless moisturizer with SPF.

Regarding the volume of sunscreen you should use, we recommend applying generously and evenly, and following the application instructions on the pack. As a rule of thumb, you can use about a 1/4 teaspoon of sunscreen on your face and neck, and a shot glass-sized amount on your body.

And don't forget, it's important to reapply at least every two hours!

The same as above! If you're spending time outdoors, it's important to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher generously and evenly on all exposed skin. However, you might want to shake up your everyday routine with a sunscreen that's suited to your outdoor activity. For example, if you'll be working out or swimming, we recommend choosing a sweat- and water-resistant sunscreen like our PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50.

“I also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat as well as UV-protective clothing and sunglasses on days outside,” says Shamban.

When it comes to reapplying, you'll still need to reapply at least every two hours, or immediately after toweling. And, if you're in the water working up a sweat, make sure to reapply your water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen as often as directed on the pack (usually every 40 or 80 minutes). 

Now that you know how much SPF you should be wearing every day, you should also be aware of some VIPs (Very Important Places) that are often overlooked...and the SPF products we’ve got for each of them!

• Scalp: “Any exposed part of your scalp, like your part, is often totally neglected,” says Dr. Shamban. That's why we created Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35, a non-greasy, virtually undetectable way to keep your scalp protected. Plus, it absorbs excess oils!
  
  
• Eyelids: “Sunglasses are always recommended, but SPF coverage is also important,” says Dr. Shamban. We also know that five to 10 percent of skin cancers are found around the eyes. Our pick for this area? Shimmershade SPF 30, the very first eyeshadow with SPF, to keep your lids pretty and protected!
  
  
• Hands: You may think your hands are covered since you’re using them to apply your SPF, but we often forget to apply SPF to the backs of our hands. That's where Handscreen SPF 40, our rich and hydrating hand cream with sun protection, comes in!