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Original poster

SPF-how many use it correctly?

87 replies

Jazzbea · 04/09/2023 13:29

Considering that the amount of SPF one must use throughout a day is almost half a container, a large spoon sized application and reapply every 2 hours on an ordinary day? Using SPF in the morning (only) does little to nothing. Especially if you are using SPF incorporated in foundation or a tinted moisturizer. How many use the product correctly?

OP posts:
meanderingbrook · 07/09/2023 07:57

And factor 15 is not a con. It means what it says. This calculator gives an indication of what the different SPFs offer with regards to UVB protection.

www.wolframalpha.com/input?i=time+to+sunburn&assumption=%7B%22FS%22%7D+-%3E+%7B%7B%22TimeToSunburn%22%2C+%22tb%22%7D%7D&assumption=%7B%22FP%22%2C+%22TimeToSunburn%22%2C+%22SST%22%7D+-%3E+%22ST2%22&assumption=%7B%22F%22%2C+%22TimeToSunburn%22%2C+%22UVI%22%7D+-%3E%223%22

lljkk · 07/09/2023 07:58

SPF 5-10 is basically a t-shirt. Or a faceveil.

Just wondering how many people are now advocating that we put cream on underneath our t-shirts,

meanderingbrook · 07/09/2023 08:01

@lljkk, some people's do advocate special UV impermeable clothes. Talk about thin cloth not been enough to shield from UV. Personally I am very wary of cut outs on clothes for obvious reasons (thank you backless dress in the 80s!) but other than thinking twice about chiffon it's about as far as it goes!

ohboohoo · 07/09/2023 08:18

meanderingbrook · 07/09/2023 07:52

"I put this on in the morning and if I'm able I wash it off avoiding my eye makeup and reapply half way through the day. Otherwise I don't but I'm not actively in the sun"

@ohboohoo, on most standard sunscreens the advice is to reapply after 2 hours. This is because the ingredients break down and can actually cause more sun damage. This article states half a tsp for the face:

metro.co.uk/2019/07/25/photos-show-exactly-much-sunscreen-using-10457343/

So yes, I do see the problem as out lined in the op. My solution is to use long lasting sunscreen according to the instructions on the box.
I wear it when I'll be out in the sun when the UV is 3 or above which is pretty much all summer.

Yes. A half tsp for face and neck. A quarter tsp for face

meanderingbrook · 07/09/2023 08:23

@ohboohoo but reapplication is necessary with standard sunscreens to get the protection offered. Which, if you are out, is every two hours. Otherwise for protection it's (generally) apply half an hour before going out and reapply every two hours.

ohboohoo · 07/09/2023 09:04

meanderingbrook · 07/09/2023 08:23

@ohboohoo but reapplication is necessary with standard sunscreens to get the protection offered. Which, if you are out, is every two hours. Otherwise for protection it's (generally) apply half an hour before going out and reapply every two hours.

Sunscreen is predominantly broken down by exposure to sunlight. It is also physically eroded through sweating it off, rubbing and of course exposure to water. If you are indoors and not sweating, it's efficacy lasts a lot longer than it does if you are outdoors. The guidance is based on exposure to the sun. Someone applying in the morning and staying indoors doesn't need to worry too much about reapplication. Studies have shown this. I'll dig some up if I must but I really can't be arsed when it can be found online by anyone. The guidelines are aimed at the worse case scenario ie constant sun exposure. Other physical methods (staying indoors, wearing a hat etc) help

ohboohoo · 07/09/2023 09:08

meanderingbrook · 07/09/2023 08:23

@ohboohoo but reapplication is necessary with standard sunscreens to get the protection offered. Which, if you are out, is every two hours. Otherwise for protection it's (generally) apply half an hour before going out and reapply every two hours.

Some articles... it is sunlight not passage of time that degrades spf

SPF-how many use it correctly?
SPF-how many use it correctly?
SPF-how many use it correctly?
readingismycardio · 07/09/2023 09:09

I do all of the above. If I wear make up I reapply SPF powder

meanderingbrook · 07/09/2023 10:30

@ohboohoo, yes, as I said, "if you are out..."

meanderingbrook · 07/09/2023 10:36

But, as I said I get around the reapplication by wearing long lasting sunscreen. By the time the protection from it is waning so is the UV. Today I won't be wearing any because by the time I am going out the UV will be just 2. 🙂

meanderingbrook · 07/09/2023 10:38

And when it's really hot, sweating can be an issue indoors or out. I find sports formulas good for this reason.

Gnomegarden32 · 07/09/2023 11:37

I slathered spf on my face, neck and exposed limbs but still got burnt through a thin white t-shirt the other day. In future I will be putting spf underneath thin fabric.

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