This is exactly the amount of sunscreen you need on your face.

Sun protection becomes necessary with the arrival of high temperatures and sun exposure, although dermatologists recommend its use all year round. Protecting and caring for our skin is very important, and according to various studies, 95% of the population does not apply the required amount of sunscreen Recommended by experts.

According to a 2023 ISDIN study on photoprotection habits in Spain, 19.5% of respondents say they only use sunscreen in summer, while 1.1% say they do not use any sun protection.

The study concluded that most people use between a quarter and a half of the recommended amount

; which significantly reduces the amount of sun protection received.

Let’s take an example: using a sunscreen with SPF 50, but applying half the recommended amount is equivalent to using a sunscreen with SPF 7-8, with the risk of sun damage.

Two Finger Trick

“To get an idea of ​​what we need for our facial skin, we can use the two-finger trick. This means that Apply the cream to two fingers of your hand and spread it the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin area,” he explains. Dr. Miguel Sanchez Vieradirector and dermatologist at the Institute for Integrative Dermatology (IDEI), who ensures that the recommended amount of sunscreen for the entire body is “Skin 2 mg/cm².”

“The ideal is distribute it evenly to cover the entire surface of the face. We almost always apply a little cream; If we apply on our hand an amount equal to two fingers, that is, the right amount, we will feel that we have some product left over,” says Dr. Andrea Huerta-Vena

Dermatologist at the International Dermatology Clinic (CDI).

The specialist adds that it is necessary to “cover the entire face and Wait a few minutes to be absorbed,” warning in turn that “if the sunscreen contains chemical filters, we should wait about 20 minutes before being exposed to the sun.”

Apply two coats in the usual amount.

For those unsure of how much sunscreen to apply: Ana Fernandez-Tresguerresa dermatologist at Madridderm and member of the Royal Academy of Medicine, expresses the opinion on the possibility of “applying two layers of photoprotector in the usual amount.”

Another option is to “apply the recommended amount and wait for it to soak in, even if you notice it leaves a slight white cast at first.”

Experts also stress the need Reapply sunscreen throughout the day. “We usually do this every 2-3 hours unless we are going to swim or sweat,” emphasizes Sanchez Viera.

Not having adequate sun protection can have serious consequences for your skin’s long-term health, such as acne. spots, melasma, premature aging or skin cancer.