Come rain, hail, or sunshine, sunscreen is something one should not forget. The importance of sunscreen is a common knowledge, but most people fall into two camps: those who slather it on and those who use it sparingly just as a coverage hoping it will do the trick. 

However, if you want to really protect your skin from UV damage, premature ageing or even skin cancer there are two things you must know

• Which sunscreen to choose?
• How much to apply and how often?

Before we delve into the answers. Let’s understand its importance.

Why so much stress on sunscreen application?

When you don’t apply the sunscreen, the direct UV rays from the sun reaches the skin and causes issues such as melanoma, tanning, pigmentation, sunburns etc. Did you know that the seemingly innocuous sunburns double the risk of sun cancer?

Why proper sunscreen application matters?

Sunscreen is the only line of defence against harmful UVA and UVB rays. This is true even when you are in the sunshade. Learning how to apply sunscreen correctly, can:

• Greatly lower the chances of developing skin cancer
• Prevent premature ageing, pigmentation, and wrinkles 
• Reduce the risk of sunburn, tanning and uneven skin tone

When you neglect to apply the recommended amount of sunscreen, the SPF becomes virtually ineffective. 

How much sunscreen to apply?

The ideal is 2mg per 2cm2 which means about .8g for the face. However, it is quite difficult to measure the area and weight for application. Hence here are two simplified methods:

The gold standard rule: Two-finger method

The most exposed areas to the sun are the face and neck. The two-finger rule says take a strip of sunscreen along the length of index and middle fingers and it should be enough to cover your face and neck.

The simple spoon method

• ½ teaspoon for face and neck
• ½ tsp for arm
• 1 tsp each for legs
• 1 tsp for torso
• 1 tsp for back

Your sunscreen should cover ears, eyelids, back of the neck, tops of the feel and scalp (if you have thinning hair or are bald). Use a SPF lip balm for lips. 

Which sunscreen formula should you use?

As a suitable option for day-to-day use, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of fifty is recommended. Nobody likes the white sheen of the sunscreen on the skin and hence try it before buying. 

• A cream-based formula is suitable for dry skin
• Gels or water-based lotions for oily/acne prone-skin
• A water-resistant formula like the Neutrogena sunscreen for its non-greasy formula
• Natural ingredient sunscreens for sensitive skin such as the Mamaearth sunscreen for protection and hydration

Keep a sunscreen spray or stick in your purse for on-the-go touch ups. 

When to apply sunscreen?

• Apply sunscreen all over the body after your morning routine of cleansing, toning, serum and moisturizing. 
• Wait for 30 minutes before stepping out even if it is an overcast day
• Reapply after every 2 hours of sun exposures
• Reapply immediately after swimming or sweating
• Apply after towel drying and moisturizing 
• Reapplication is absolutely necessary for complete sun protection.