Guide

How much sunscreen does your face need?

26-4-2021

Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

Gwyneth Paltrow’s beauty tutorial meets disapproval. The fly in the ointment? Sun cream and the question of how much of it your face needs to be sufficiently protected.

Actor Gwyneth Paltrow appals skincare enthusiasts and dermatologists alike in her video for Vogue magazine. In the video series «Beauty Secrets», stars like Gwyneth regularly share their beauty routines as well as beauty tips and tricks. However, one of her «tips» was met with harsh criticism.

In the clip, the actor coyly dabs a touch of sunscreen on her face. Or to put it in her words «where the sun really hits». What Gwyneth means is exposed areas including the bridge of the nose and the cheekbones. Experts warn: people who follow her lead are putting themselves and their skin in danger.

Making sunscreen a fixture and, at best, the last step of your morning skincare routine is something dermatologists have been preaching over and over again. Not only does this prevent skin aging, but more importantly, skin cancer. That’s why using sunscreen on a daily basis is essential. So what scientists are recommending is in stark contrast to the Gwyneth’s «weniger ist mehr» approach. Experts took the video as an opportunity to educate people via social media about how much sunscreen is actually needed for the cream to live up to the stated protection on the label.

It’s 2 mg/cm².

This is the amount used to test the effectiveness of sunscreen products. This is the equivalent of 1.25 millilitres for an average-sized face. If you apply less, the indicated protection factor is not guaranteed. This factor should be 30 or higher. If you want to make sure you’re applying enough sun cream, simply use a measuring spoon you’d usually use for cooking or baking.

This measuring spoon corresponds to the recommended 1.25 millilitres.

Sunscreen

Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive expert+ Anti-Age Super UV

Sun cream face, SPF 50, 50 ml, 70 g

And don’t forget to put cream on your ears!

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Natalie Hemengül

Senior Editor

Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.

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