Why Your Sun Protection Habits Might Be Increasing Your Risk of Skin Damage

2. The sunscreen application gap

Applying sunscreen isn't as straightforward as it seems. For starters, most people aren't using nearly enough. A liberal application is key—about (1 ounce) for the body and a nickel-sized dollop (¼-⅓ teaspoon) for the face. And it's not just about quantity; timing and technique matter too. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the skin to absorb it fully and then reapplied every two hours. If you're swimming or sweating, it's a good idea to reapply even more frequently. Miss these steps, and you're not fully shielded.