How much sunscreen should I apply to my body?

How much sunscreen for an adult body?

One ounce is a starting amount, not a limit: a larger adult can need more to cover exposed skin thoroughly. Six teaspoons equal two tablespoons; the six to eight teaspoon guide allows more for full body coverage. Measure with teaspoons or tablespoons, because "a generous blob" has yet to become a useful unit.13

The amount matters because the SPF printed on the bottle depends on applying enough sunscreen. SPF means sun protection factor. The tested amount is approximately two milligrams per square centimeter of skin; spreading sunscreen too thinly reduces protection. A higher SPF does not remove the need for enough product or regular reapplication.345

How to apply enough without missing areas

1. 1Choose broad spectrum sunscreen, which protects against UVA and UVB rays, with SPF 30 or higher. For a beach or pool day, choose SPF 50 or higher and a water resistant formula.
2. 2Apply before going outdoors, not once you are already in the sun. Allow about 15 minutes before exposure. For an outing long enough to risk burning, the NHS advises applying 30 minutes beforehand and again just before leaving.
3. 3Spread the measured amount thoroughly over all exposed skin. Include your neck, ears, legs, tops of your feet and backs of your hands. Apply to an exposed scalp if your hair is thinning, or wear a wide brimmed hat.
4. 4Ask someone to help cover your back. For spray sunscreen, apply generously until an even sheen appears, then rub it in thoroughly. Use sprays in a well ventilated area and avoid inhaling them.
5. 5Reapply every two hours while outdoors, and immediately after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Reapply sooner whenever sunscreen has rubbed off.

How much sunscreen should I use on each arm?

Aim for even, thorough coverage of each exposed arm rather than one fixed dab regardless of arm size. Cover the backs of your hands too. As a combined guide for a smaller exposed area, around two teaspoons covers the head, arms and neck; that is not two teaspoons for each arm.56

How many ounces of sunscreen do I need for a beach day?

Budget about one ounce per adult for every full application, not one ounce for the whole day. At that rate, an initial application plus two reapplications uses about three ounces per adult, so the bottle has a workload, not just a place in the beach bag. An initial application plus three reapplications uses about four ounces. Pack more for larger bodies and additional applications after water, sweat or towel drying.15

Water resistant sunscreen is tested for either 40 or 80 minutes in water, depending on its label. Still reapply immediately after swimming rather than waiting for the next two hour interval. Check the bottle's directions and expiry information before packing it.35

Sunscreen is only part of sun protection

Use shade, protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses alongside sunscreen. Do not extend your time in the sun because you have applied it. Cloudy weather does not eliminate sun exposure. If you burn, stay out of the sun until redness has gone; seek medical help if you feel unwell or your skin swells badly or blisters.123