Here’s How Much Sunscreen You *Really* Need Apply on Your Skin
Summer is here, and whether you’re spending it poolside in the fresh air or at the office dreaming of a vacation, you still need to be wearing sunscreen. If you’ve been around this blog for a while, you know you need to be slathering on the SPF daily for routine skin protection, but in the summer, it’s absolutely crucial that you never miss a day—even if the only time you’re outside is during your morning commute.
But how much sunscreen do you actually need? A thick layer to cover every inch of skin poking out? A small amount that spreads evenly? We tapped the experts to make sure you never have to deal with a sunburn for the rest of your life. You’re welcome in advance.
Meet the Expert
Joshua Ross is a celebrity esthetician with SkinLab in Manhattan Beach, California.
How Much Sunscreen You Need for Your Face
According to esthetician Joshua Ross, the amount of sunscreen needed for your face is probably less than you think. You just have to make sure you’re creating an even layer over the skin’s surface. In fact, he says all you need is a “about 1/4 teaspoon or a nickel size amount” for your face. Most facial sunscreens come in smaller packages, and should last a while, given the small amount needed. We love SUPERGOOP’s Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 for clear, even coverage.
“I always recommend a zinc-based sunscreen as it has a lot of other benefits in addition to sun protection,” adds Ross. “Zinc particles are too large to penetrate the pore, so it doesn’t clog the pores. Instead, it just sits on top of the skin and reflects away the light, while collecting dirt and pollution throughout the day that you wash off in the evening.” He also adds that zinc helps maintain collagen levels and has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a perfect choice for daily use.
How Much Sunscreen You Need for Your Body
Depending on what sort of outdoor activity you’re doing and how long you’ll be outside, you might just want to cover the parts of the skin that are exposed to the sun, like your arms, neck, and chest if you’re just going to be outside during your morning commute. “For the body, I recommend using a spray sunscreen so you can easily spread to all parts of the body,” says Ross. A spray will help you hit hard-to-reach areas like your back without the help of someone else.
“For the full body, you would need one to two tablespoons in a thin, even layer,” explains Ross. Of course, if you’re going outside or spending time at the beach or pool, you’re going to want to ensure your entire body is covered, even if it’s hidden under a swimsuit. The swimsuit will likely shift as you spend time in and out of the pool, so it’s best to just cover your entire body to be sure. Make sure to reapply every 60 to 80 minutes.
What About Makeup With SPF In It?
“It is recommended to use a sunscreen underneath makeup since you generally wouldn’t apply enough makeup for ample coverage,” explains Ross. “I recommend a tinted mineral sunscreen that can act like a moisturizer and a foundation in one while providing protection.”
When it comes to tinted sunscreens, we love the COTZ Flawless Complexion SPF 50 Lightly Tinted. Even if your makeup says it has SPF in it, experts agree that you should layer a thin, breathable sunscreen under the makeup first instead of relying just on the SPF in the makeup product alone.
The Final Verdict
“To ensure full application for the face I recommend using multiple different sunscreens and layering them,” explains Ross. “For example I recommend applying a light, sheer mineral sunscreen serum on the full face and neck so you can then layer on top.” You don’t need to go overboard with layering, just two layers will do the trick to make sure you cover every surface without missing a spot.
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