Tips for Every Day + Summer
1. Apply…. a lot.
When you think you’ve applied enough, add a little bit more.
Sunscreens are measured for efficacy using 2 milligrams of sunscreen per centimeter of skin (2mg/cm²).¹
Non-science-y terms?
About an ounce (or full shot glass) for the whole body. 2-3 finger lengths for just the face. Apply more than you think you need.
GO TO TOWN, BB! 😌
2. Apply on dry skin.
I find this is really an issue with body sunscreen application.
Applying on damp or wet skin affects efficacy. It essentially ‘dilutes’ the product and therefore affects your coverage. If outside at the pool/beach or sweating, try and get as dry as possible before re-applying your sunscreen. 🏊♀️
3. Let it dry down.
Water-resistant SPFs often have things called film formers.² These are a crucial part of the formula.
Think of this dry-down step as letting the product ‘set’ before you get any sun exposure.
Wait 15 minutes before heading outside and avoid disturbing the areas of skin you just applied SPF to (wiping with towels/clothing/ bathing suits, etc.). 🩱
Similar concept- let your face SPF completely dry down before applying any cosmetics overtop.
4. Do not mix your SPF with other products.
Kind of building off the previous two points— don’t mix your SPF with any other products. 🙅
i.e., foundation, concealer, moisturizer, etc. 👎🏻
You want your SPF to work. It’s been tested as-is for the labeled coverage. Mixing can dilute this coverage and leave gaps. So don’t mix and let it set. 😎
5. Don’t transfer containers.
This was really popular a few years ago. Transferring SPF into compacts for reapplication. Unless you’re going to use the entirety within a very short period of time- this isn’t the safest method. Degrading SPF is not the vibe. 🤢
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REFERENCES:
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Labeling and Effectiveness Testing: Sunscreen Drug Products for over-T.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed June 22, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/labeling-and-effectiveness-testing-sunscreen-drug-products-over-counter-human-use-small-entity.
“‘Very’ Water-Resistant Sunscreens.” Cosmetics & Toiletries, December 28, 2020. https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulas-products/sun-care/article/21836290/very-water-resistant-sunscreens.
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