Sunscreen: What is the right amount to apply to the skin?

You don't need to be a great expert in dermatology to know the importance of using sunscreen.

With it, we can avoid a series of damages to our health, ranging from allergies and blemishes to even more serious damages, such as skin cancer.

But how do you know how much sunscreen to apply to your skin? In this content, you will find out!

In this text, we have gathered some important information about the product and how its use is essential to protect our health.

The importance of using sunscreen correctly

Although exposure to the sun in the right amount – and in the right way – is beneficial for our health – such as obtaining vitamin D and even reducing the risk of depression, since the sun's rays stimulate the production of serotonin in the brain – it is necessary to be careful. 

The sun emits rays that contain a high level of ultraviolet radiation. And this type of radiation reaches our skin, both superficially – through UVB rays – and more deeply – with UVA rays. 

With the correct use of sunscreen – especially when facing long periods of exposure to the sun – the action of these harmful rays is blocked, protecting our skin.

As Brazil is a tropical country with a lot of sunlight all year round, our exposure to these ultraviolet rays ends up being greater, making the need for skin care and the correct use of sunscreen even greater.

Diseases that can be caused by the Sun

It's no secret that not using sunscreen during prolonged exposure to the sun can have very harmful effects on our health. Whether in the medium or long term, this type of action can lead to serious problems, affecting everything from our health to our appearance.

Diseases that can be caused by excessive exposure to the sun without sunscreen include:

Skin cancer

This is certainly the best known – and most serious – on the list. Although a small percentage of skin cancer incidence is linked to genetic factors, the vast majority is caused by excess. Therefore, it is necessary to take the necessary precautions.

Skin burns

Believe it or not, the incidence of skin burns is more common than you might think.

Skin spots

Excessive sun exposure can also cause aesthetic consequences, causing the appearance of spots. The most common places for these spots to appear are the face, neck, arms and hands.

Skin diseases

In addition to skin cancer and spots, several other diseases can be caused by the effects of the sun. One of them is solar miliaria, where small red bumps appear on skin that is exposed to the sun without protection.

What is the right amount to apply to the skin?

According to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), the amount of sunscreen recommended for application to each part of the body is one teaspoon, on average:

Therefore, the recommended application is something like:

One teaspoon of sunscreen on the face and neck; another teaspoon for the front of the torso and another for the back; one teaspoon for each arm and one teaspoon for the front of each leg and another for the back of each leg.

Furthermore, as we are a country with high temperatures and a tropical climate, the Brazilian Society of Dermatology also recommends the use of at least sunscreen with factor 30 for the Brazilian population. However, there are cases where it is necessary to use higher factors, such as factors 50 and 60, for example.

Should I only use sunscreen when I go to the beach or pool?

Despite the facts we have already presented here in the text, many people still have the old mentality that using sunscreen is only necessary on days spent at the pool, beach or similar. I don't even need to say that this idea is completely wrong, right?

The use of sunscreen is recommended for any and all exposure to the sun. Ideally, everyone should use sunscreen every day, whether they are going to work, school or any other type of commitment that requires them to leave the house. 

From the moment you come into direct contact with the sun, ultraviolet rays also begin to take effect. And without the correct use of sunscreen, your skin will be directly affected by these effects, without any type of protection.

Is it also recommended to use sunscreen on cloudy days?

Yes. Even though the sun's incidence on the skin is not direct – since the clouds are covering the sun – and the effects of ultraviolet rays are reduced by up to 40%, it is recommended to use sunscreen on these days as well.

Important tips on using sunscreen

Below, we have separated some very valuable tips on the correct use of sunscreen and other ways to protect your skin. They are:

Avoid sun exposure between 10am and 4pm. During these hours, the effects of ultraviolet radiation are strongest.

When going out, try to walk in places where there is shade, such as establishments or trees.

Before buying your sunscreen, do some research to choose the right type for your skin.

When you are in places with sand, at high altitudes or where there is snow, take extra care when applying sunscreen.

Conclusion

Did you understand the importance of using sunscreen? Although many people still do not give due importance to this type of care, when facing long periods without using this type of product, your skin and your health are the main victims, suffering all the consequences. 

So, whenever you go out, don't forget to apply sunscreen. Your skin and your health will thank you!

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