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Here’s How Much Sunscreen Your Face Needs to Be Protected

A woman applies sunscreen to her face.
verona studio/Shutterstock.com

Summer is here, and that means you’re probably going to be spending more time outside in the sun. While you should always wear sunscreen, it’s particularly important now, but how much sunscreen should you apply to your face?

You should apply 1/2 teaspoon of sunscreen to your face and neck to get ample protection.

Of course, you’re probably not going to bring a teaspoon to the beach, but thankfully, there are quick ways to figure out the measurement. You can use some everyday conversions to determine the right amount of sunscreen.

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Face & Body SPF 70

Soak up the sun while protecting your skin.

A nickel-sized dollop is generally the right amount of SPF. You can also use the finger trick. Squeeze your sunscreen from the bottom crease to the tip of your index and middle fingers. That’s enough for your face and neck as well.

As for the rest of your body (which also needs protecting), dermatologists recommend a shot glass worth of sunscreen. It should cover all portions of your exposed skin. You should also be sure to reapply every two hours.

When it comes to sunscreen application, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Too much is better than too little. The last thing you want is to be an angry shade of red for the next few days. Use sunscreen with an  SPF of at least 30+, and if you’re not sure how much sunscreen to put on your face, more is more!

Stacey Koziel Stacey Koziel
Stacey Koziel is a news writer at LifeSavvy. She's worked as a freelance writer for over ten years, focusing on family and lifestyle content. She also has a background in marketing and social media, and is always eager to talk (and write!) about the latest TikTok trends. Read Full Bio »
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