How much sunscreen do you apply?
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free skin care · Tue Nov 23, 2010 10:23 am

The FDA's amount is 2g/cm^2, which translates to between 1/4 and 1/3 teaspoon of sunscreen for the face and neck. There are some sources that you need 1/2 a teaspoon for the face and neck, and that's the largest amount that I've seen anywhere.

I have *finally* been able to actually measure how much sunscreen I apply- I got little 1 cc (same as 1 ml) scoops from lotioncrafter. There are about 5 ml in a teaspoon, and I used 2 scoops today, so that comes out to more than 1/3 of a teaspoon.

(I started out with well sunscreened hands, to make sure that it's not my hands absorbing it) It's definitely reassuring to know that I am using the recommended amount. I think everyone should measure how much sunscreen they're applying, at least once.

free skin care · Tue Nov 23, 2010 12:54 pm

I use a dollop the size of a quarter. But I really like your suggestion and I do believe I will be measuring mine tomorrow morning!!

free skin care · Tue Nov 23, 2010 4:25 pm

rmc7 wrote:

I use a dollop the size of a quarter. But I really like your suggestion and I do believe I will be measuring mine tomorrow morning!!

I think it's super important to measure accurately with precise tools because I'm not sure what even "dollop the size of a quarter" is. Does that mean it's the volume of a quarter (meaning a very flat disk), or is it a healthy pyramid shaped dollop with the base the size of a quarter?

free skin care · Tue Nov 23, 2010 5:59 pm

Exactly , a flat quarter. So I got out my measuring spoons and I will certainly be measuring my next application.Funny how I used such a "hit or miss" approach to something so important. Skin cancer on both sides of my family, melanoma took my Dad. I should know better than to take this for granted.

Tue Nov 23, 2010 6:59 pm

I don't measure it.
But since there's a recommended amount of sunscreen to be applied on the skin, then I'll be measuring it starting tomorrow.

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2010 4:26 am

It's approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of a teaspoon for the face and the same again for the neck. I believe that was calculated on a person of around 5.5" tall and in proportion. So, if you're taller/larger you will need more.

I'm 6'4" tall and in proportion. I apply just under 1/2 teaspoon for my face and a little less on my neck.

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2010 5:17 am

I measured my sunblock this morning Ti-Silc 45 sheer, I use 1/3 t. I covered face, neck, ears, and part of the lower neck upper chest area. I liked that amt. I also like this sunblock!

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2010 9:31 am

rmc7 wrote:

I measured my sunblock this morning Ti-Silc 45 sheer, I use 1/3 t. I covered face, neck, ears, and part of the lower neck upper chest area. I liked that amt. I also like this sunblock!

Huh, that's interesting! I had just looked up the volume of a quarter (.809 cc, same as .809 ml) so if you were using the volume of a quarter on your face and neck then that amount it definitely not enough- it's a little less than 1/6 of a teaspoon.

I definitely don't believe in measuring everyday, I just believe in doing it once or twice and just on the face and neck just so that we get what that density of sunscreen *feels* like. So maybe you should do your chest/ears/hands, etc separately in order to get an accurate assessment?

But it definitely seems like you're using enough. Maybe you just overestimated the volume of a quater?

free skin care · Wed Nov 24, 2010 9:33 am

Josh wrote:

It's approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of a teaspoon for the face and the same again for the neck. I believe that was calculated on a person of around 5.5" tall and in proportion. So, if you're taller/larger you will need more.

I'm 6'4" tall and in proportion. I apply just under 1/2 teaspoon for my face and a little less on my neck.

Haha, I'm lucky since I meet those specs so I don't need to adjust at all.

free skin care · Mon Nov 29, 2010 1:35 am

Always apply the sunscreen about 30 minutes before going out in the sun and allow enough time for the product to start working. Apply the sunscreen generously, spreading to all exposed areas and smooth in gently. To provide maximum effectiveness reapply it every hour, especially during the noon hours. The waterproof and water resistant sunscreens provide protection even after swimming, but to make sure your skin is protected reapply it 15 minutes after exposure to water. During the hot months apply face sunscreen with SPF at least 15 every day to minimize the appearance of dark spots and fine wrinkles.

Mon Nov 29, 2010 8:52 am

I use probably about a nickel size, but my sunscreen is a part of my face moisturizer so i don't use too much otherwise it sits on the skin. If I am actively outside on the beach then I reapply more often so I probably use a quarter size. I don't know how that equals out to in teaspoons or tablespoons.

Tue Nov 30, 2010 4:23 am

what do u guys recommend for sunscreen? I'm looking for a cheap drugstore sunscreen to use everyday
I live in France so it doesn't have most of product u guys talk about
Thanks

free skin care · Tue Nov 30, 2010 4:48 am

jayraven, we have some of the best sunscreens in the world in Europe, and in France you really are spoiled for choice!!! Many in the US and elsewhere actually order their sunscreens from Europe as the protection from European formulas is superior to what's available in other countries.

Take a look at brands like Avene, Bioderma, La Roche-Posay and Vichy. All make excellent sunscreens for the European market and all are available cheaply in pharmacies.

free skin care · Wed Dec 01, 2010 11:39 pm

enough 2 cover Laughing

free skin care · Thu Dec 02, 2010 7:04 am

i also use Avenu. I usually apply a thin layer, xcept I am going outdoor, I will apply more.

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