Sunscreen Vs Skin cancer: How Much Sunscreen Is Too Much?

Skin cancer is a dread of most people; that’s why they worry about the sun and their level of exposure to it. 

Too much sun is a severe problem for your health, which can cause significant skin changes and lead to premature aging, skin cancer, and other skin-related problems. 

But thanks to sunscreens which help us reduce most of the risks associated with too much sunlight by reducing the amount of the Sun’s Ultraviolet rays that reach us. 

But then there’s a problem. How much of these sunscreens are enough not to cause you more harm than good? Do you need just a tiny amount of sunscreen, or do you have to slather on your skin a judicious amount and expect the best result? 

Please continue reading to find out and also know more about sunscreens and their relationship with skin cancer. 

How Much Sunscreen Is Too Much? 

Sunscreen is very good in helping you control the amount of the sun’s UV light that reaches or enters your skin. But then there is always the problem of knowing the right amount of sunscreen. 

For fear of not using too much sunscreen, you might end up using too little sunscreen that’s not able to do its job. In other cases, you apply way too much than is needed. 

Today, you will be solving that problem. 

The best way to use sunscreens is to understand the line between too much sunscreen and too little sunscreen. 

Because that way, you will get the best out of your sunscreen and not waste them. 

To be on the safer side, you have to err on the safer side. 

The amount of sunscreen you need depends on your skin type and the sunscreen’s content. 

If your sunscreen is an SPF 15 kind and offers a broad spectrum kind of protection, then two tablespoons are enough for your entire body. Either two tablespoons, or you could use a shot glass and fill it up. 

However, if your sunscreen is an SPF 30 kind, you will need the same amount for only your neck and face. 

Remember, we said that the type of sunscreen is very important. This is because different sunscreen offers different kinds of protection. 

While the SPF sunscreen only offers protection for Ultraviolet B rays, the broad spectrum sunscreens offer protection for both Ultraviolet B and Ultraviolet A rays. 

Different Types of Sunscreens and Their Uses

All sunscreen offers protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, but not all of them work the same way. So you need to know which of the sunscreens you use. 

FDA recommends using sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection. These sunscreens protect you from UVB, which are burning rays, and UVA, which is aging rays. 

If you use any sunscreen that does not offer broad-spectrum protection, always go for SPF 15. 

How Frequent Should You Apply Sunscreens? 

After worrying about how much sunscreen, the next is to know how frequently you should use them. 

If you want to get the best result, it’s best to apply sunscreen after every 2 to 3 hours. While most people can use it just once a day. Others will have to use sunscreens at least five times in one day. 

Using sunscreens at regular intervals is the best. Why? When the sun causes damage to your skin, it doesn’t do it once. It does so constantly. 

So applying sunscreen constantly at regular intervals will help reduce the level of damage to your skin and reduce your chances of sunburn. 

If you go to the beach or swimming pool, it is best to constantly reapply your sunscreens when you go in and out of the water. That way, your skin stays protected at all times. 

The Bottom Line 

Worrying about the quantity of sunscreen to use can become a problem. But considering how it reduces your chances of skin cancer makes it worth it. 

Always go for the right kind of sunscreen and apply them in the right amount and regularly. This way, you’ll protect your skin and lower skin cancer risk.