How to use sunscreen

I usually apply a thick layer of sunscreen, sometimes using the body lotion for my face. Doctor, how much sunscreen is enough and how should I use it? (Ngan, 29 years old, Hanoi ).

Reply:

Sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer, care for your skin, and prevent aging. Therefore, it should be considered part of your daily skin care routine.

You use about 1.2 ml (1/3 teaspoon), or a dime-sized amount, when applying sunscreen to your face, and more for your body. When indoors, apply sunscreen once or twice a day. If you're outdoors all day, reapply every two hours. If you're swimming or sweating, reapply more often.

It doesn’t really matter whether you use body sunscreen on your face or vice versa, as the UV protection they provide is generally the same. The main difference is that body sunscreens tend to be thicker, more slippery, and greasy.

You should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Many sunscreens have much higher SPFs. SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays — the ultraviolet rays that can burn the skin — while SPF 50 blocks 98%. Ingredients in sunscreen, such as zinc or titanium, need 15 to 20 minutes to be absorbed into the skin, especially before swimming or when sweating.

Doctor Doan Thu Hong
Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine

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