Sunscreen is the foundation of dermatology, but many patients complain that they still get tanned or that their melasma worsens despite daily use. Usually, the issue isn't the product; it's the application.
Mistake 1: Not Applying Enough
To get the SPF printed on the bottle, you need to apply 2 milligrams of product per square centimetre of skin. For the face and neck, that equals roughly two full finger lengths. Most people apply less than half this amount, turning an SPF 50 into an SPF 15.
Mistake 2: Never Reapplying
Chemical filters degrade after 2 hours of UV exposure, and physical filters get wiped off by sweat or oil. If you apply SPF at 8 AM and walk outside at 2 PM, you have virtually no protection. You must reapply every 2-3 hours if you are outdoors, or before leaving work.
Mistake 3: Relying on Makeup with SPF
A foundation with SPF 30 is great, but to get that protection, you would need to apply a mask-like layer of makeup. Always use a dedicated sunscreen underneath your makeup.