How much SPF is too much SPF?
Isn’t this one of the common queries that you come across? We understand that a naturally glowing and well hydrated skin is what you all desire, but there are many questions and queries that stand in the way. With the summers approaching at a rapid speed a major concern that arises is about the proper ways to apply SPF for complete protection against the sun.
We are sure that you are well aware of the repercussions of sun exposure. We also know that you must be using a good quality SPF to prevent the harms that scorching heat of the sun can cause. But are you really sure if you are doing it right? In this article, we will share a few tips with you for a better understanding about the application of SPF so that you are able to protect your skin against the harmful rays of the sun.
A lot of you may have heard about the three finger rule while applying SPF. We are willing to take you a step further. On reading this article you will learn all that you should know about the two finger rule of applying sunscreen.
The Two Finger Rule
Just because your aim is to protect your skin against the damage that sun exposure could cause, does not allow you to slather yourself with SPF layer after layer. Too much of anything is bad, right! So, it is vital to understand what amount of SPF is actually beneficial for you. The key is to use an optimum quantity of the product and practice applying it in the right manner. Even though many people might disagree, studies have proved that the methods of application have a lot to do with the effects and benefits that are brought about the usage of a specific product.
So what is the two finger rule? In simple words, as the name itself suggests, the quantity of about two fingers of the sunscreen is more than enough to crack the code. Two fingers of sunscreen is a simple way to measure how much of the product you need to apply to your face, ears, and neck to get the maximum SPF protection. This entails squeezing two strips of sunscreen from the tip to the base of the index and middle fingers. It should be enough to cover the exposed areas of and around the face.
The areas of the body that are severely exposed to the sun require special attention. But, too much of SPF may in fact cause your pores to be congested and block thereby harming your skin from within. Therefore, using the length of the first two fingers of a hand is an ideal way to measure the quantity of the products that is sufficient to layer up your face and the area around, like neck and ears.
Once the right quantity is learned, the next question that arises is ‘how to apply the product correctly?’
What is the correct way to apply SPF?
Now that you are aware of the appropriate amount of SPF that is to be applied to your skin for complete protection, It is extremely vital to understand the correct method to layer up your skin. Here are some tips that might help you.
The best way to apply sunscreen is using the pat-method. This is to say that instead of kneading your skin or using strength to rub the sunscreen onto your face, the idea is to gently pat your face with your hands. Gently layer your cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose with the SPF after properly cleansing your skin. It's not necessary to spread it out by intensely rubbing your face. This action could rather irritate your skin specially if you are dealing with acne and breakouts. After taking the required quantity of SPF onto your first two fingers, spread it evenly on your hand and then gently dab it. Allow the SPF to dry on its own as the consistency is such that your skin will absorb the product in no time.
Lotus Professional has mindfully designed its SPF products like PHYTORx Ultra-Protect Sunblock SPF 70 Pa+++, PHYTORx Whitening Uv Screen Mattegel Sun Block SPF 60, and many more keeping in mind the easy application and quick absorption of the sunscreen to greater and lasting benefits.
If you wish to use a sponge or a beauty blender to evenly spread out the sunscreen onto your face, make sure that you gently pat your face. Using force aur unnecessary pressure might irritate your skin causing redness, rashes or pimples on acne prone skin.
Layering up is essential
Even though you try to protect your skin against the scorching heat of the sun, you somehow end up being tanned no matter how careful you are. Isn’t it?
Let us tell you why that happens.
Sunscreen protects your skin against the severe sun exposure by adding a protective layer against the harmful UV rays of the sun. But it must be remembered that to seek better results it is essential to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
SPF is usually washed off by perspiration and activities like swimming, hence it is recommended to repeatedly layer your skin with Sunscreen in about two hours. Sunscreen, unlike some other skincare measures, requires a number of applications each day, especially if you spend most of your time out in the open, under direct sunlight. The effectiveness of the SPF begins to fade away leaving the skin unprotected against the UV rays of the sun when it interacts with oils and fluids that are released out of the pores of our skin thereby requiring reapplication every two hours.
