New Study Shows Majority of People Don’t Use Enough Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is one of, if not the most important, things you can do for your skin – especially in the fight against skin cancer, the most common cancer in the US. Unfortunately too many people are not using enough sunscreen. In fact a new study out of the UK found that a vast majority of people are using too little sunscreen.

Too Little Sunscreen

The Hospital Group of the UK studied 1,500 Britons and their sunscreen use. The study revealed some astounding results.

• 67% of Britons revealed they don’t use the right quantity
• 44% rub in less than half of what they should
• Over 50% respondents admit to regularly missing parts of their body when applying sunscreen

That means only 33% are applying the correct amount of sunscreen. The net is that many Brits and probably a large percentage of those around the world are leaving their skin unprotected. In fact in 2013 the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that most American don’t even use sunscreen.

Unfortunately not using and not using enough sunscreen leaves our skin more susceptible to sun damage and ultimately skin cancer.

How Much Sunscreen Should You Use

Not to sound preachy but you don’t want to become another skin cancer statistic. But the positive is that it’s possible to reduce the risk by using the right amount of sunscreen.

So what’s the right amount? Here’s an easy recommendation to use from the American Academy of Dermatology:

• Apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin
• Most adults need about 1 ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover their body
• Don't forget to apply to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head
• Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors
• When outdoors, reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours, or after swimming or sweating

Feel free to print this list out so you always remember. Maybe put it up on the fridge for a few weeks so you see it everyday for just a little bit.

Suncare Smarts

If you’re like me and sometimes skip to the end to get the summary – here it is: makes sure to use sunscreen everyday, apply enough (think one shot glass full for the body), and reapply at least every two hours (of after swimming/sweating). I don’t think that’s too much especially if it can reduce the risk of skin cancer.

For even more studies about your skin check out our Studies blog series.