Video: How much SPF cream do you need to put on your face? It's more than you think!

I'm sure you've read somewhere that the difference in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is only a few percent. So why bother with SPF 50? But this only applies if you apply a sufficient amount of cream. And let's be honest, very few people use it on themselves.

What amount of SPF cream do you need?

To achieve the SPF protection indicated on your sunscreen, you must apply 2mg of product to your face for every square inch of skin. For those who don't have a millligram scale at home, this works out to roughly a quarter teaspoon for the face and half a teaspoon for the face and neck. And it doesn't matter at all if you use an SPF with mineral or physical filters.

If you don't feel like carrying around a teaspoon to measure out the cream, use your fingers. A quarter of a teaspoon corresponds to the amount of cream that fits on the outstretched index and middle fingers when you make a " V " with them, i.e. the letter V as the symbol of victory. 

Is the SPF in day cream and foundation enough?

A lot of day creams and foundation already have SPF in them, so why bother with another product? They are not sufficient, and for several reasons. 

• They're not waterproof, so even with a little perspiration they're gone from your face.
• You can never put on the required amount to protect your face sufficiently.
• Most of them do not contain any UVA protection.

Our favourite SPF for the face

Of course, you have to keep in mind that a face cream with SPF only protects you for a few hours. Thus, do not forget to reapply consistently, and wear a hat and sunglasses. Plus, check out our video on how much cream is the right amount.