Despite the importance of wearing sunscreen each day being well-known, a surprising number of people still aren’t getting the protection they need. Why? Because one of the most important aspects – application – is often done incorrectly. More precisely, people often don’t put quite enough good sunscreen for face on – leaving themselves susceptible to sun damage.
When we say ‘Good Sunscreen’, we’re referring of course to mineral products which are known for being the most gentle around. Of course, there’s also chemical sunscreen to consider, but for the purposes of this article, we stick to the zinc-oxide-based options.
So, exactly how much of it do you really need to use on your face to stay protected? Read on and you’ll find an answer to that question, along with some other tidbits of information that will help you enjoy time out in the sun with confidence.
Applying the Right Amount of Good Sunscreen For Face
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether a pea-sized amount of good sunscreen for face is enough or if you’re overdoing it, you’re not alone. The good news is that we’re now going to remove all doubt by giving you a definitive answer.
- The Two-Finger Rule for Mineral Sunscreen – When applying mineral sunscreen to your face, the “two-finger rule” is the gold standard. Squeeze out enough sunscreen to cover the length of your index and middle fingers. This equates to roughly ¼ teaspoon, the recommended amount for full facial coverage.
This two-finger rule helps to simplify the process by giving you a quick visual guide to squeezing out the right amount. Believe it or not, studies show that most people under-apply sunscreen, sometimes using as little as 25% of the amount needed for full protection.
How to Apply Mineral Sunscreen Properly
Right, so now we know how much mineral sunscreen to use. Next, we look at how to apply to your face evenly. It goes something like this…
- Always begin with a fresh, dry face. This allows the sunscreen to adhere evenly.
- Dot small amounts across your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Gently blend it out to cover your entire face, including your hairline and jawline.
- Don’t forget commonly-missed areas, such as the ears, neck and eyelids. These spots are often missed but are just as vulnerable to UV damage.
- If you’re applying makeup, let the mineral sunscreen set for a few minutes. This allows it to form a proper protective layer without smudging.
- Reapply it every two hours, or perhaps more often if you’re sweating, swimming, or touching your face frequently.
Get Full Value From Good Sunscreen For Face
Buying the right sunscreen is only part of the process, as it needs to be applied in the right way and in the right quantities. So, your takeaway from this article should be that you should use the two-finger rule to determine the right amount and ‘dot’ the product to key areas of the face before blending it in.
Ultimately, if you don’t apply your sunscreen correctly, you’re the one who’s going to pay the price in the form of dryness, dark spots, and signs of aging. Follow the tips we’ve covered here and you’re sure to get full value from the sun protection you buy.
