Cosmetics tips

By Paula Begoun

Dear Paula,

I still struggle with understanding the application of sunscreen (I want to call it sunSCREAM it drives me so crazy!) I just read in another publication that an SPF 15 protects your skin 15 times longer than it would normally take you to get a slight burn. Okay, I can understand that, but then they went on to say that you need to reapply it every two hours (not after perspiring or being outside for a long period just under normal, going to work and sitting inside for several hours circumstances). Well, I have oily, acne-prone skin and use Retin-A, so I need to protect my skin from the sun, but I don't want to spend my workday reapplying my sunscreen every two hours. I also use oil-blotting papers throughout the day. Do I even have sunscreen on after blotting a couple of times a day? I'd really like to protect my skin, but I don't want to reapply sunscreen and mess up my makeup several times a day or put on more powder like Neutrogena's SPF30 powder (I don't like to look that made up!) Do you have any suggestions?

_Danielle, via email

Dear Danielle,

I too have seen this repeated recommendation to reapply sunscreen every two hours regardless of the SPF number on the label or the activity you're engaged in (sweating or swimming does require frequent reapplication). Yet, according to every source I've ever read explaining the meaning of an SPF number, that number is described as a time factor that relates to how long you can stay in the sun without burning.

Therefore, an SPF 15 would protect someone like me, who can stay in the sun about 20 minutes without burning, for about 5 hours: SPF number 15 X 20 minutes = 300 minutes = 5 hours. An SPF 30 would protect for a total of 10 hours: SPF 30 X 20 minutes = 600 minutes = 10 hours. But regardless of whether the protection lasts five or 10 hours (and I would still follow the time factor), that doesn't help your predicament of not wanting to reapply sunscreen and mess up your makeup during a long day outside. Especially considering some days can start at 6am and go well past 10 hours, assuming you are wearing an SPF 30.

This recommendation to reapply sunscreen every two hours probably has more to do with a concern for those who are subjecting their skin to a direct assault of UV rays and wanting to assure people are putting on enough (because research shows we don't wear enough sunscreen). Researchers are also worried that some sunscreens don't adhere very well to skin (water-resistant sunscreens and those with active ingredients of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide adhere far batter), especially if someone is active or frequently wiping or rubbing their skin. If people put on enough sunscreen in the first place and reapplied when recommended (dependent on the SPF number) or after swimming or perspiring there would be a lot less skin damage.

Reapplying sunscreen is incredibly important to be certain you are getting enough protection throughout the day. There simply are no other options other than applying a pressed powder or loose powder with an SPF 15 or greater (after you blot your face with the oil-absorbing papers) that won't mess up your makeup.