The Golden Rule- Two Finger SPF

WRITTEN BY JULIA DEMMA

The best wrinkle is the one you never get, so let’s apply that sunscreen and do it correctly while we’re at it! 

We’re in the heat of summer and it’s no secret that most babes enjoy some fun in the sun and long lazy days spent lounging by the pool. You can still soak up some vitamin D while protecting your skin and preventing early signs of aging skin. 

While your intentions are pure, the sad truth is that you may be applying your SPF all wrong. According to studies, about 25% of people are applying half the amount of SPF that your skin is actually thirsty for. 

Now listen up, this is where the golden rule steps in. There are two essential concepts in the field of dermatology - the rule of 9’s and the fingertip unit - that help skincare professionals prescribe the correct amount of topical medication to treat a client’s condition. The “rule of 9’s” is typically used to estimate the total body surface area, which is broken up into 11 individual parts with each part representing roughly 9% of our total body surface area.

The 11 body parts are as follows:

1. Head, neck, and face

2. Left arm

3. Right arm

4. Upper back

5. Lower back

6. Upper front torso

7. Lower front torso

8. Left upper leg and thigh

9. Right upper leg and thigh

10. Left lower leg and foot

11. Right lower leg and foot

Now let’s get to it. For each body part you’ll need TWO strips of sunscreen squeezed out onto your index and middle fingers from the palmar crease to the fingertips. Rub in as necessary. 

And it doesn’t stop there, there’s a few more helpful tricks to keep your skin protected and looking radiant for much longer. Sunscreen should be applied about 15-20 minutes BEFORE heading out for a day in the sun. It takes approximately 15 minutes for the sunscreen to fully  absorb into your skin and become activated to properly fight off harmful UV rays. 

One more thing, don’t forget to re-apply! The textbook recommendation is to reapply sunscreen every two hours. However, if you are sweating heavily, you should re-apply more often than this recommendation. And if you are getting out of the water, you should re-apply immediately.

For once in your life, don’t be a rule breaker. These helpful SPF tips can keep your skin looking vibrant and youthful for a longer span of your lifetime. It’s true that aging is a fact of life, but looking your age doesn’t have to be.