All of that said, we’re working with what we’ve got here. And while we don’t have a perfect science, or inclusive recommendations that are also practical from a trusted institution, doing the math does give us a way to apply the AAD’s standard one-ounce advice to a much wider range of people.
At the same time, I recognize that it’s not the simplest approach, so in the case that working with the numbers isn’t your thing, I asked Dr. Gohara and Dr. Massick for some additional tips and tricks to ensure you’re properly protected.
A few easier ways to ensure you’re using enough sunscreen, regardless of your body size
The more the better.
Research suggests—and the experts I spoke with agree—that most people don’t even apply the one-ounce recommendation, so be like me and err on the side of more. “The idea that dermatologists want to emphasize is that a lot of folks just don’t use enough,” Dr. Massick says.
She recommends using a quarter-sized dollop (about one teaspoon) for your face. “I’ve seen some people suggesting lower quantities, like a nickel-sized dollop or one to two teaspoons, but that’s not quite enough because you want to make sure you’re also covering your ears, along your hairline, and the back and front of your neck,” she says.
Dr. Gohara suggests that you can make a checklist of common areas to cover, such as the lips, the tip of your nose, the eyelids, and the ears. This brings me to one of her golden application rules: Every part of your body that’s exposed to UV light “should be covered [with either sunscreen or sun-protective clothing], regardless of weather conditions and regardless of skin color.”
One application isn’t enough.
The amount of sunscreen you use in a single application isn’t the only factor that matters when it comes to UV protection. Reapplication is key too: You should aim to add another coat every two hours when you’re spending time outside, and even more frequently (typically every 40 to 80 minutes, depending on what the label says) if you’re swimming or sweating, according to Dr. Gohara. And always use sunscreen that has broad-spectrum coverage—which means it will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays—and an SPF rating of 30 or higher, per the AAD.
Use your senses.
Dr. Gohara offers another tip: pay attention to your skin’s texture and color after applying SPF. “With many sunscreens, there’s almost a white or translucent sheen to the skin and you’ll be able to see where you’ve applied it, and maybe where you’ve missed,” she says.
Mineral sunscreens (which create a physical barrier on the skin that reflects UV light) are more likely to have this effect than chemical formulas (which absorb UV rays, altering their structure to reduce sun damage)—though it may be subtle since many brands aim to eliminate an obvious white cast.