SPF all year round: the product you use, but perhaps not enough
Do you apply SPF every morning? Good. But do you know how much you’re actually using?
One of the most common skincare mistakes isn’t forgetting sunscreen. It’s applying too little of it.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, many people use only 20% to 50% of the amount needed to achieve the level of protection stated on the label.
How much sunscreen should you apply to your face? The two-finger rule
SPF only works as intended when applied in the correct amount and distributed evenly.
For your face, one of the easiest guidelines to remember is the two-finger rule: apply a line of sunscreen along the length of your index finger and another along your middle finger.
This corresponds to approximately one teaspoon, the amount the AAD recommends for the face.
Spread it evenly, and don’t forget your neck and ears.
SPF 30 vs. SPF 50: what’s the real difference?
The number indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of them. Higher SPF values block slightly more, but no sunscreen provides 100% protection.
Most importantly, a higher SPF doesn’t last longer.
It doesn’t mean you can skip reapplication or spend more time in the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
What really makes the difference is the amount you apply, consistency, and proper application.
What does PA++++ mean on Korean sunscreens?
Many Korean sunscreens display a PA rating alongside their SPF, followed by a series of “+” symbols.
This indicates the level of protection against UVA rays: the more “+” symbols, the higher the protection, up to PA++++.
On European products, UVA protection can be identified by the letters “UVA” inside a circle.
SPF in winter too? Yes, not just in August
UV rays reach your skin even on cloudy days and during the colder months. UVA rays can also penetrate window glass.
That’s why SPF shouldn’t be something you only keep in your holiday beauty bag.
It’s everyday skincare.
How often should you reapply sunscreen?
When you’re outdoors, sunscreen should generally be reapplied every two hours, even on cloudy days, and immediately after sweating, swimming, or getting wet.
That doesn’t mean spending your entire day watching the clock. It means understanding when your skin is exposed again and acting accordingly.
Your final step. Every morning.
Cleanser. Serum. Cream.
SPF.
It may seem like a small step. In reality, it’s one of the most important habits in your skincare routine.
If you’re building your routine from scratch, start here: Korean skincare: where to really begin.
Because good skincare isn’t just about what you want to improve.
It’s also about what you want to protect your skin from.
Frequently asked questions about sunscreen
How much sunscreen do you need for your face?
Approximately one teaspoon. An easy way to remember is the two-finger rule: one line of sunscreen along your index finger and another along your middle finger.
Do you need sunscreen in winter or on cloudy days?
Yes. UV rays reach your skin all year round, even when the sky is overcast.
Does SPF 50 last longer than SPF 30?
No. It provides slightly more protection against UVB rays, but it needs to be reapplied just as frequently.
Do I need SPF if I spend the day indoors?
UVA rays can pass through window glass. If you spend several hours near a window, applying SPF in the morning is still a good habit.
SOOMI — Skin Studio
Korean skincare, interpreted for your skin.