SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 12, 2025 – With the sun making a bold comeback this season, it's time to revisit one of the most important yet often misunderstood steps in your skincare routine: sunscreen. Whether you're lounging on the beach or heading out for errands, knowing how much sunscreen to apply to your face can make a huge difference in protecting your skin from premature aging, painful sunburns, and even skin cancer.
Why Your Sunscreen Application Matters
Many people apply too little sunscreen, unknowingly leaving their skin vulnerable to harmful UV rays. “There is a heavy misconception in some consumers that a higher SPF means indefinite time in the sun,” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist. “In reality, the best practice is to reapply your sunscreen every hour or two, depending on your activity level and type.”
This means it's not just about picking the right SPF—though that matters too—but also about using enough product and reapplying it consistently.
The Golden Rule: Two Fingers of Protection
According to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, applying sunscreen doesn’t have to be complicated. “Draw the sunscreen out on your index and middle finger, roughly about half a teaspoon,” she explains. This “two-fingers rule” ensures you’re covering your face adequately without having to memorize precise milligram-to-square-centimeter ratios.
In other words, don’t skimp. A thin, even layer across your entire face is essential to get the full SPF value labeled on your product.
Reapplication: Your Skin’s Safety Net
You’ve applied your sunscreen in the morning—great! But are you reapplying it?
Dr. Nazarian recommends:
- Reapplying every two hours when outdoors
- After swimming, sweating, or towel-drying
- Even when you're wearing makeup
To make touch-ups easier, consider alternative formats like:
- Powder sunscreens
- SPF-infused makeup
- Press-on sunscreen foundations
“These make it more convenient when reapplying,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Many people just brush a powder or reapply makeup that has SPF, which allows them to keep their skin protected all day long.”
Best Sunscreens for Different Skin Types
Everyone’s skin is unique, so the best sunscreen is one you’ll actually enjoy using every day. For acne-prone or oily skin, Dr. Nazarian recommends lightweight, oil-free formulas like Proactiv’s Clear Skin SPF 30 (available in the US) or La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control Invisible Fluid SPF50+.
“This particular one is lightweight and oil-controlling, absorbing quickly with a matte finish,” she notes. “It checks all of my boxes when looking for the ideal sunscreen.”
Here are top dermatologist- and editor-approved picks:
- Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir SPF50+
- Best for Dry Skin: Ultra Violette Super Supreme Screen SPF50+
- Best Mineral Option: Murad City Skin Age Defense SPF50 PA++++
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Ultrasun Face Tinted High SPF 30
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Allies of Skin The One SPF 50 Gel
Find the Right Fit for Your Routine
Choosing a sunscreen that works for your skin type and feels good to wear makes it more likely you’ll use it daily. “Ultimately, it’s really important to have a sunscreen that feels good on your skin, and that you enjoy wearing,” says Dr. Nazarian. Consistency is key—and the right product helps make that easy.
So the next time you step out into the sun, remember: two fingers, reapply regularly, and pick a product that fits your lifestyle. Your skin will thank you.
Learn more at www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection