Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is an essential part of any skin care routine, so it’s important to know how much sunscreen to use on your face. If you aren’t wearing sunscreen daily, whether it be mineral sunscreen or chemical sunscreen, it’s time to get on board. When correctly applied, it can combat premature aging, sunburn, and most importantly, skin cancer.
How can you make sure you’re getting the full protection benefits from your sunscreen? First off, you will want to make sure you’re using a sufficient SPF. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher for the body and face. SPF 30 is the baseline, but many dermatologists agree SPF 50 is the gold standard. From 50 on, it doesn’t make much of a difference.
According to Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Massachusetts, SPF 100 offers a marginal amount of extra protection. “There is a heavy misconception in some consumers that a higher SPF means indefinite time in the sun, when in reality, the best practice is to reapply your sunscreen for every hour or two you are out in the sun, depending on your activity level and type,” explains Dr. Frieling.
The best sunscreens for face, at a glance
- Best Overall Face Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $31
- Best Mineral Sunscreen: InnBeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 43, $35
- Best Tinted Sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex, $51
- Best for Dry Skin: La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen SPF 50, $40
- Best for Oily Skin: Proactiv Clear Skin Face Sunscreen Moisturizer With SPF 30, $20
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen, $17
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen, $18
How much sunscreen should I use on my face?
There are a few methods to make sure you’re applying the sufficient amount of sunscreen. According to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, a good rule of thumb is the two-fingers rule. “Draw the sunscreen out on your index and middle finger, roughly about half a teaspoon, or if easier, try for around a nickel-size amount,” she says.
You want to aim for at least a “thin layer” all over the face, which achieves the SPF on the label. “The exact amount to achieve your sunscreen’s SPF is 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin, but that’s too complicated to remember,” Dr. Nazarian explains. “The two-fingers rule can effectively help you protect your face with sunscreen, without too much hassle.”
How often should I reapply sunscreen on my face?
Depending on the activity you’re engaging in, Dr. Nazarian says to reapply every two hours. “Or reapply anytime after sweating, exposure to water, or rubbing,” she says. If you’re worried about ruining your makeup, Dr. Nazarian points out plenty of products that make it easy to touch up your SPF.
“Because this can be a big ask, and super challenging for many people, I like to recommend various forms of sunscreen to make it more convenient when reapplying,” she says. “Sunscreen comes in many forms now, including powder (brush-on) and press-on (like in makeup cover-up and foundation), so many people just brush a powder or reapply makeup that has SPF, which allows them to keep their skin protected all day long.”
What sunscreen is best for the face?
Dr. Nazarian recommends a formula that is oil-free and nongreasy to prevent breakouts. “I recommend a daily broad-spectrum, UVA- and UVB-blocking sunscreen, that is at least an SPF of 30 or higher,” she says. “One of my favorites is Clear Skin SPF 30 from Proactiv. This particular one is lightweight and oil-controlling, absorbing quickly with a matte finish. It checks all of my boxes when looking for the ideal sunscreen. The added panthenol and allantoin make it super hydrating and moisturizing as well.”
You should also find a formula that you actually like. “Ultimately, it’s really important to have a sunscreen that feels good on your skin, and that you enjoy wearing,” she says. “This helps with daily compliance and makes it more likely it will be applied every day, year-round—the way it’s meant to be.”
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