How Much Sunscreen is Enough?
Think you’ve got your sun exposure covered? We know you’re smart and sun-savvy, but just in case, here’s a refresher course.
MARNI Spring 2007. Photography by Peter Stigter.
According to Jang, 70 per cent of the general population know about the importance of sunscreen, but only 20 per cent actually use it, and most aren’t using it properly. “You only know you’re using it properly when you never have a tan on your skin,” says Jang, who insists that the ultimate status symbol is to return from a beach holiday without a suntan. “It says that you’re forward-thinking and taking care of yourself properly. If you tan now, then in five to 10 years you’ll be in my clinic trying to reverse it.”
FACE: HALF A TEASPOON
Tip: The problem with using sunscreen with a high SPF is that the intense whiteness of it gives skin a shiny yet pasty look. To combat this effect, Jang recommends using a mineral powder foundation after you apply sunscreen. To ensure the best protection, put on a pea-sized amount of sunscreen, go brush your teeth, then slap on another pea-sized dab, so you’re double dosed.
BODY: ONE FULL SHOT GLASS
Bottle: To detect a product with good UVA absorption, consumers should look for the presence of one or both Mexoryl filters (SX and XL), as well as photostabilized Parsol 1789.
Supply and demand: Does your eight-ounce bottle of sunscreen last all summer? Then you’re not using enough. If you’re away for a week on a beach holiday, that one bottle should last about two to three days, tops!
Have bottle, will travel: Golf? Tennis? Walking the dog? The lovely thing about sunscreen is that the bottles come in enough sizes and shapes to fit in any handbag or gym tote. So stop on the green or the court, and keep applying.
Cover up: Yes, hats, long sleeves, sunglasses and skirts will do wonders to help protect you from UVA and UVB. Make it a fashion statement.
Beauty counter: Since UVA is more prevalent than UVB, UVA protection in daily skin care creams is particularly important. Remember that SPF is a very poor indicator of the UVA protection level of a cosmetic product.
First published in FASHION Magazine June 2007
Comment on this article
Editor's note: This is a moderated forum, so your comments won't appear until approved by the moderator. Please help us foster a friendly environment by keeping your posts civil and on-point. We reserve the right to delete comments that include foul language, personal attacks on others, sales solicitations or any other inappropriate content. Posted comments reflect the opinions of the poster, not of Fashionmagazine.com. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Your comment