Updated on March 27, 2023.
Think you’re covered when it comes to sunscreen? Surprise: Many of us aren’t using it right.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), most people apply only 20 to 50 percent of the amount of sunscreen they actually need. Plus, we often miss many of the most sun-sensitive spots. Men are even less likely to apply sunscreen appropriately, putting them at increased risk for many skin cancers.
Here's something to keep in mind when it comes to sun protection: Most adults need about a shot glass’s worth of sunscreen for their whole body (that's about 1.5 ounces). You should apply about 15 minutes before heading outdoors to allow for complete absorption, and then again every two hours after that, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Whether you’re spraying or spreading it on, don’t forget to hit these important spots:
Your back: Ever end up with a patchy burn from all those places you couldn’t reach? The back is a common site for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer—and that’s especially true for men, reports the American Cancer Society.
Your face: According to a 2016 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), 30 percent of us skip sunscreen on our face, even when we’re applying it elsewhere. With the vast majority of basal cell carcinomas—the most common type of skin cancer—occurring on the face, it’s a prime area for protection. So don’t skimp—use at least a teaspoon’s worth of sunscreen on your face alone.
If you're worried about skin breakouts, look for a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic and wash your face as soon as you’re out of the sun.
Your nose: Yes, it is technically part of your face, but since it’s a common site for non-melanoma skin cancers, the nose deserves its own mention and special attention.
Your ears and scalp: These above-the-neck body parts are high-risk, making up a significant portion of all non-melanoma skin cancers. Protect both areas with carefully applied sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat.
Your legs and feet: Many of us skip our legs completely when we’re applying sunscreen. That’s not a good move, because they’re one of the most common spots for melanoma in women. Remember to cover your ankles, the tops of your feet, and your knees—front and back.
Your forearms and hands: The forearm is another frequent site of melanoma in women and another place we often neglect to protect. Like your face, your hands are exposed every single day, so give them a little love with a daily moisturizing SPF.
Your lips: A popular spot for both squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, your lips need protection, too. Safeguard them with lip gloss or lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.
The edges of clothing: One of the biggest places we skip is right at the edge of our swimsuits or around the straps. When you’re applying sunscreen, be sure to actually move those straps and hemlines to the side, so you get full, even coverage.
Remember, daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can greatly reduce your risk of skin cancer. So, slather it on and get protected.
