Dermatologist explains how rapidly you need to get by way of a bottle of sunscreen

Jun 25, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Dermatologist explains how rapidly you need to get by way of a bottle of sunscreen

With sunshine making an look every day, sunscreen is a non-negotiable important throughout the summer time season.

Exposing your pores and skin to solar rays with out safety cannot solely depart you with a painful sunburn but in addition the next threat of skin cancer.

However, the essential query shouldn’t be whether or not to make use of solar cream however how a lot to make use of.

Fortunately, Dr Maham Khan, Consultant Dermatologist on the Cadogan Clinic, has shared how rapidly you need to get by way of a bottle to make sure the most effective safety on your pores and skin in the summertime months.

Dr Khan mentioned: “The frequency with which you go through a bottle of sunscreen during the summer months can vary depending on factors such as your usage habits, the size of the bottle, and how often you apply sunscreen.

“As a general guideline, a standard 200ml bottle of sunscreen should last approximately two to three weeks with regular usage.”

While this rule will help information you throughout the summer time, it’s additionally essential to contemplate how a lot sunscreen you might be utilizing for every a part of your physique.

The dermatologist advisable making use of about 30 millilitres of sunscreen, which is the equal of about six teaspoons, to cowl your complete physique.

“Applying less than the recommended amount may result in insufficient coverage and a lower level of protection,” the professional mentioned.

Furthermore, Dr Khan added the next advice for the quantity needed for every bodily space:

  • Face and neck together with ears: Apply roughly about half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of sunscreen to cowl your face and neck and ears. Be positive to use it evenly, taking note of areas which are extra uncovered to the solar, such because the brow, nostril, and cheeks.
  • Each arm: Apply about half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of sunscreen to cowl every arm fully. Remember to cowl the tops of your fingers and fingers as effectively.
  • Each leg: Use about one teaspoon (5 ml) of sunscreen for every leg. Ensure you cowl all areas, together with the tops of your toes and toes.
  • Torso and again: For the torso and again, chances are you’ll want about two to a few teaspoons (10-15 ml) of sunscreen to supply enough protection, relying in your physique measurement.

Once you totally cowl all of the uncovered areas of your pores and skin within the morning, don’t overlook to reapply later, the dermatologist urged.

She mentioned: “To maintain proper protection, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. 

“If you spend prolonged periods in the sun, you’ll likely go through sunscreen more quickly.”

Worryingly, not utilizing sufficient solar cream leaves you with out the required safety towards UV radiation.

“This can leave your skin vulnerable to sunburn, skin damage, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer,” the dermatologist added.