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. 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 important, skin cancer.
So, how can you make sure your getting the full protection benefits from your sunscreen? First off, you will 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 baseline, but many dermatologists agree SPF 50 is the gold standard. From 50 on, it doesn’t make much of a difference.
According to Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Massachusetts, SPF 100 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 activity type,” explains Frieling.
The best sunscreens for face, at a glance
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 Dr. Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, 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-sized 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 sunscreens SPF is 2 miligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin, but that’s too complicated to remember,” Nazarian explains. “The two finger rule can effectively help you protect your face with sunscreen, without too much hassle.”
How often should I reapply sunscreen on my face?
Depending on the activity you’re engaging in, Nazarian says to reapply every two hours. “Or reapply anytime after sweating, exposure to water, or rubbing,” she says. If you’re worried about ruining your makeup, Nazarian points out plenty of products that make it easy to touch up your SPF.