Dermatologist explains how quickly you should get through a bottle of sunscreen

With sunshine making an appearance on a daily basis, sunscreen is a non-negotiable essential during the summer season.

Exposing your skin to sun rays without protection can not only leave you with a painful sunburn but also a higher risk of skin cancer.

However, the important question is not whether to use sun cream but how much to use.

Fortunately, Dr Maham Khan, Consultant Dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, has shared how quickly you should get through a bottle to ensure the best protection for your skin in the summer months.

Dr Khan said: “The frequency with which you go through a bottle of sunscreen during the summer months can vary depending on factors such as your usage habits, the size of the bottle, and how often you apply sunscreen.

“As a general guideline, a standard 200ml bottle of sunscreen should last approximately two to three weeks with regular usage.”

While this rule can help guide you during the summer, it’s also important to consider how much sunscreen you are using for each part of your body.

The dermatologist recommended applying about 30 millilitres of sunscreen, which is the equivalent of about six teaspoons, to cover your whole body.

“Applying less than the recommended amount may result in insufficient coverage and a lower level of protection,” the expert said.

Furthermore, Dr Khan added the following recommendation for the amount necessary for each bodily area:

• Face and neck including ears: Apply approximately about half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of sunscreen to cover your face and neck and ears. Be sure to apply it evenly, paying attention to areas that are more exposed to the sun, such as the forehead, nose, and cheeks.
• Each arm: Apply about half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of sunscreen to cover each arm completely. Remember to cover the tops of your hands and fingers as well.
• Each leg: Use about one teaspoon (5 ml) of sunscreen for each leg. Ensure you cover all areas, including the tops of your feet and toes.
• Torso and back: For the torso and back, you may need about two to three teaspoons (10-15 ml) of sunscreen to provide adequate coverage, depending on your body size.

Once you thoroughly cover all the exposed areas of your skin in the morning, don’t forget to reapply later, the dermatologist urged.

She said: “To maintain proper protection, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. 

“If you spend prolonged periods in the sun, you’ll likely go through sunscreen more quickly.”

Worryingly, not using enough sun cream leaves you without the necessary protection against UV radiation.

“This can leave your skin vulnerable to sunburn, skin damage, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer,” the dermatologist added.