Sun-Safe Disclaimer: Sunscreen is just one tool in your skin-protection kit. For total defence, always practice the 5 S’s: Slip on sun-protective clothing, Slop on SPF, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses.
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While many of us obsess over protecting our faces, that area represents only a small fraction of our total skin surface. The body accounts for the remaining 91%, and it requires just as much, if not more, vigilance against harmful UV rays.
Treating body protection as a non-negotiable health habit is essential, especially if you spend significant time outdoors. However, simply “applying” sunscreen isn’t enough; you have to apply enough.
Specialist Sydney dermatologist Dr Ritu, who has frequently been featured in The Australian and on Channel 7’s Sunrise, has highlighted this during discussions on the “SPF Controversy.” Her insights into sunscreen failures and common misconceptions underscore a vital truth: most people are under-applying.
The “Shot Glass” Rule: Are You Using Enough?
If you use the “teaspoon rule” for your face, you can apply a similar logic to your body to ensure total coverage. To avoid the failures identified by independent consumer groups, follow the “Rule of Nines” (also known as the 7 Teaspoon Rule).
The Dosage Guide: To achieve the level of protection promised on the bottle, distribute your sunscreen as follows:
- 1 Teaspoon per limb (one for each arm and each leg).
- 1 Teaspoon for the front of the torso.
- 1 Teaspoon for the back of the torso.
- 1 Teaspoon for the face, head, and neck.
A helpful visual aid is the “Shot Glass” technique: aim to use a full shot glass of sunscreen (approximately 35ml) for a single full-body application.
Clinical Context
A study by the Australian Cancer Council finds that Australians are not using enough sunscreen. Most apply only ⅓ of the required amount, which basically turns their SPF 50+ product into an SPF 15. Adequate application and reapplication are critical if you plan to stay in the sun longer.
Lotion vs. Spray: The Dermatologist’s Verdict
While sunscreen comes in many forms, the choice usually boils down to lotions versus sprays. Each has its place in your routine, but they are not created equal when it comes to coverage.
The Challenge with Sprays
Sprays are undeniably convenient, allowing you to apply protection without leaving your hands greasy. However, Dr Ritu warns that achieving a uniform thickness can be difficult, particularly on large areas like the back or legs. Environmental factors, such as wind, can also blow the product away before it reaches your skin, making sprays both less effective and more costly.
The Proper Technique: If you prefer a spray, don’t just “mist and go.” Spray until the skin looks glistening or wet, then rub it in manually to ensure total, even coverage.
Beyond the First Application: Timing and Activity
Choosing the right product is only half the battle; maintaining that barrier is where many fall short. This is particularly true for those with active lifestyles.
Debunking the “4-Hour Water Resistant” Myth
Many sunscreens are labelled as “4 hours water resistant,” but this phrasing can be misleading. While the formula is designed to be durable in water for that duration, it does not mean you are protected for four hours of continuous activity.
The Golden Rule: You must reapply every 2 to 3 hours. A good approach is to reapply 2-3 times per day. If you are swimming, surfing, or sweating heavily, that window narrows even further.
Sweat, Friction, and Movement
It isn’t just water that wears down your defence. Physical exercise and the friction of clothing against your skin can rub sunscreen off long before the two-hour mark. Whether you are playing sports outdoors or exercising in a gym with high UV entry, frequent reapplication is essential to fill the gaps created by movement.
The 100% Coverage Goal: Don’t Miss a Spot
Even with perfect timing, it is easy to overlook the “hidden” areas. Because the body is large, the back of the neck, the ears, the tops of the feet, and the backs of the hands are often forgotten. These are often the first places where age spots and sun damage appear, making them vital targets for your daily routine.
Don’t Forget the Scalp. For those with thinning hair, the scalp is particularly vulnerable. If you aren’t wearing a hat, apply a high-SPF sunscreen directly to the part line and any exposed areas of the scalp to prevent painful burns and long-term damage.
Addressing Sun Damage: When Prevention Isn’t Enough
For many Australians who have spent years enjoying the sun or working outdoors, topical protection may no longer be enough to manage the cumulative effects of UV exposure.
Professional Skin Checks
Prevention is the first step, but monitoring is the second. Many patients have annual specialist full skin examinations with Dr Ritu and other dermatologists. A comprehensive check provides a full “status report” on your skin, identifying changes in moles or pigmentation that studies show a trained dermatologist using their dermatoscope is best placed to diagnose.
Be aware that skin cancer clinics and skin cancer doctors are not specialists in skin, hair and nails, unlike dermatologists, who are the only Australian Medical Council recognised specialists in skin.
To know if you are seeing a dermatologist, look for the letters FACD after their name.
Aesthetic Repair and Restoration
If you are already seeing signs of sun damage, such as solar lentigines (sun spots) or uneven texture, Dr Refresh offers advanced restorative solutions. Using a combination of broadband light, vascular and picosecond lasers and medical-grade topicals, we work at the cellular level to break down excess pigment and stimulate new skin cell renewal.
When you combine diligent daily protection with specialist aesthetic repair, you don’t just protect your skin’s future; you restore its past.
Ready to prioritise your skin health? Call Dr Refresh today on 02 8014 6500 or book your appointment online to schedule your specialist skin check or consultation.
