How much Sunscreen to Use on Your Face – Optimal Sun Protection for your Face

We think of applying sunscreen when headed off to a sunny day at the beach, but wearing a facial sunscreen is important year-round, even on cloudy days. While most people know they should apply sunscreen before spending time in the sun, not everyone knows how much of it to use. Neglecting to use sunscreen, applying it improperly, too infrequently, or not using enough of it can lead to sunburn. 

In this article, you’ll learn how much sunscreen to use on your face, when and how often to apply it, and how to choose the right face sunscreen for you. 

Though spending time in the sun can brighten our mood, too much exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can be associated with skin aging, burning, and even skin cancer. Even on an overcast day, some UV rays are being absorbed by your skin, and regardless of the weather, our faces are exposed to the elements year-round. These are some of the reasons why wearing a face sunscreen is a must.  

By using sunscreen on your face as part of an overall sun protection routine, you’re helping to protect your skin from sun-induced damage and  protect from harmful UV exposure.  

Depending on how protected you want to be and how exposed to the sun you will be, you may choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a higher or lower SPF. SPF 50 helps protect against up to 98% of UVB rays. 

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays. While higher SPFs protect the skin more from the sun, no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays. 

The SPF number on sunscreen is an indicator of generally how long it may take to get a sunburn after applying it as opposed to sun exposure without any sun protection at all. How long it will truly take your skin to burn depends on your skin, the weather, time of year, and other factors. Regardless of the SPF number, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours.  

Mineral sunscreens for the face protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays by using zinc oxide and titanium oxide filters. These mineral filters sit on the surface of your skin, reflecting UV rays instead of absorbing them. 

The FDA recommends using 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter (2 mg/cm²) of exposed skin. For the average adult, this equates to approximately 30ml, or one ounce (a shot glass), for the whole body, including the face. 

To make this easier to measure how much sunscreen to use on your face, you can use your palm. Don’t be afraid to err on the side of more, applying sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin. 

Sunscreen spray:  Shake well before using and spray 4-6 inches away from your skin. Apply generously until an even sheen appears on the skin. For face sun protection, do not spray aerosol sunscreen directly onto the face! Spray the sunscreen onto your hands and then carefully rub the sunscreen onto your face, avoiding getting it into the eyes and mouth. 

Some body parts are easy to miss, but while a small patch of exposed skin might seem harmless, thorough application is the best way we can minimize sun damage to our skin. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to commonly overlooked areas such as: 

• hairline, bald spots, or parting  
• soles of the feet  
• tops of the feet 
• backs of the hands 
• ears 
• chin 
• lips 

Apply sunscreen evenly and generously to your face at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, even on days when it’s cloudy or cold. If you wear makeup, it’s beneficial to initially apply sunscreen before applying makeup and to wait a few minutes before adding foundation or other cosmetic products.  

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, after swimming or sweating, and immediately after towel drying. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating. When using a sunscreen that resists sweat or water, be sure to re-apply according to the directions on the product label. Keep in mind that the SPF of the sunscreen has nothing to do with the frequency you need to apply the sunscreen.  

A suntan is a sign of sun damage, marking an increase in skin’s melanin as a response to attempting to protect itself from further UV damage.  

As mentioned above, a sunscreen of SPF 30+ protects you from up to 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 up to 98%. 

While you can certainly apply standard body sunscreen to your face,  sunscreens made specifically for use on the face are available and may be created with facial skin in mind. Facial sunscreens are designed to feel lighter, and do not run into the eyes and sting. In situations where you have sensitive or oily skin, it can be helpful to seek out a facial sunscreen that caters to your skin type separate from the sunscreen you use on the rest of your body. 

Whichever facial sunscreen you choose, ensure it is labeled as a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. 

The Eucerin Sun Protection Range includes a comprehensive selection of broad-spectrum sun protection products developed with dermatologists for sun protection. It’s the only dermatological sun care enriched with 5 antioxidants to help defend against long-term sun damage, and offers products with skincare benefits for your specific skin type.  

Discover the perfect balance of sun protection and pampering with the Eucerin Sun Protection Range. 

Use and reapply as directed with other Sun Protection Measures (see Drug Facts Box). 

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided for educational purposes only on the benefits of sunscreen usage.