July 10th 2024.
When it comes to protecting our skin from the sun's harmful rays, it's important to remember that UV protection is a must. But how much sunscreen should you actually be using when you're off on a sunny vacation? Spoiler alert: you're probably not using enough. A recent study revealed that a whopping 67% of British people aren't applying enough sun cream, with 44% using less than half of the recommended amount. That's right, you're supposed to be using six teaspoons of sun cream for your entire body, but it can be tricky to visualize exactly how much that is when it comes to actually applying it.
Thankfully, The Hospital Group has made it easier for us by breaking down the recommended amount of sunblock for each body part. So, let's talk about how much sunscreen you should be using and how to make sure you have enough for your next holiday, without the hassle of packing.
First up, let's start with your face and neck. It's easy to forget to protect these areas, and even when we do, we often don't use enough. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends using half a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and neck. To help you visualize this amount, it might be useful to actually use a teaspoon to measure it out.
Next, let's talk about your arms. Research has found that 46% of Brits don't use enough sun cream on their arms. The recommended amount is one teaspoon for each arm, so make sure you're using half a teaspoon on each arm for maximum protection.
Moving on to your legs, it's recommended to use two teaspoons of sunscreen to cover both of them. This breaks down to one teaspoon for each leg. If you're struggling to visualize this amount, think of it as roughly the length of the tip of your index finger from your first knuckle to the tip.
Now, let's not forget about the front of your torso. You'll need a full teaspoon of sunscreen to cover your chest and tummy. And if your cleavage tends to get burnt in the sun, it's a good idea to add a little extra protection in that area. And of course, don't forget to use another teaspoon for your back and shoulders. If you need a little help reaching those areas, enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member (one who won't give you a rude sunburn tattoo!).
But there are also areas of our body that we often forget to protect, such as the soles of our feet, our lips, our eyelids, and our hairline or parting. So, make sure to save another teaspoon or so for those often neglected areas. And yes, even your bum needs a layer of sunscreen – as 87% of Brits forget to cover this part of their body.
It's important to note that the six teaspoons rule is the bare minimum of what you need for protection, but the mantra of "more is better" is a good one to follow. Now, let's go over some tips from Lauren Mackenzie, Head of Medical Aesthetics for Transform and The Hospital Group, for staying safe in the sun.
First and foremost, always remember to apply sun cream when you'll be in the sun. Shockingly, 23% of Brits never or rarely apply sun cream in the UK. And for men, this number rises to 31%. Remember, it's not just sunny days when you need to protect your skin – you can still burn on a cloudy day. So, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
It's also important to wait at least half an hour after applying sunscreen before going into the sun or getting in the water. One in three Brits don't wait, which means their level of protection is much lower than they realize.
And don't forget, you can burn in the UK too. So, factor in the SPF when choosing your sunscreen. Unfortunately, almost half of Brits use sun cream with an SPF of 25 or lower. The recommended SPF is 30, and make sure to read the instructions for the specific brand you're using, as application may vary.
The British Association of Dermatologists advises using at least six full teaspoons of sunscreen to cover the body of an average adult. This breaks down to more than half a teaspoon for each arm and the face/neck, and just over one teaspoon for each leg, front of body, and back of body. Remember, applying less than the recommended amount can significantly reduce the level of protection.
It's also easy to forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. The recommended frequency is every two hours, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. So, make sure to keep a bottle of sunscreen on hand for touch-ups.
Now, let's talk about how much sunscreen you should be packing for a one-week holiday. Of course, the exact amount will depend on factors like how long you'll be in the sun each day, your skin type, and the activities you'll be doing. But using the six teaspoons calculation, you'll need around 30ml of sunscreen per application. If you'll be spending less than two hours in the sun each day, that's one daily application, which comes to 210ml for a week. But for longer periods in the sun, you'll need at least 840ml for one person. It's always better to have a little extra, so aim for around a litre per person.
Most sunscreens are sold in 200ml bottles, so if you're traveling solo, you'll need between two and five bottles of lotion. If you're traveling with family, you'll need to multiply that amount accordingly. If you're struggling to fit everything in your luggage, look for larger bottles or buy more once you're at your destination.
In conclusion, protecting your skin from the sun is crucial, and it's important to use enough sunscreen and to reapply regularly. No tan is worth risking serious skin damage. So, make sure to pack enough sunscreen for your next holiday and enjoy the sun safely. Do you have any sunscreen stories to share? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing us at email.
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