

“That’s absolutely my recommendation: two finger lengths for the face,” says Onyeka Obioha, M.D., a dermatologist in Los Angeles. One trick when measuring sunscreen for your face and neck is to follow the so-called “two-finger rule.” Popularized on social media, it entails squeezing out a stripe of lotion on the inside of each finger.
#Cetaphil sunscreen face full#
In truth, unless you’re applying the proper amount and then diligently reupping throughout the day-a near-impossible task-you’re likely not receiving the full protection as promised on the label. Your foundation or primer with built-in SPF might seem good enough, but “unless the makeup is being applied in a thick layer,” Nazarian points out, it’s likely not doing an adequate-enough job. There’s also no substitute for a standalone sunscreen. “It still allows some sunlight to penetrate, and ultimately doesn’t fully block your body from ultraviolet radiation.” Skipping sunscreen to reap vitamin D rewards is flawed thinking, says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., who practices at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. For one, sunscreen won’t prevent your body from synthesizing vitamin D, which most readily occurs through the intake of sunlight and is key for bone health. That’s not to mention the myths that have emerged in the collective consciousness. Sign up to receive “The Buyline” in your inbox. Vanity Fair editors are curating the best fashion, beauty, books, and other buys into a weekly newsletter. There are now more options than ever, and while they offer a variety of sun-protective ingredients and supplementary perks-such as antioxidants, elegant finishes, and delightfully weightless formulations-it can be harder to choose what might work best for you. Dispense, slather, bask-how difficult is that? But sunscreen isn’t as straightforward as the poolside days of the past might have you think. Forever a staple in beach bags and bathroom cabinets alike, sunscreen should be easy enough to understand by now.
