To effectively protect your back from sunburn, did you know that a simple dab of product is not enough? A pharmacist tells us the exact amount of sunscreen to apply for maximum protection.
It’s the big start to the holidays! You’ve thought about the swimsuit, the sunglasses, and of course, the tube of sunscreen that sits proudly in your bag. Arriving on the sand or in front of the swimming pool, you take out the bottle, spread a small amount of product quickly on your shoulders and back, convinced that you are protected against UV rays. However, at the end of the day, a magnificent sunburn adorns your back. How is this possible when you put cream on? According to health professionals, the error generally does not come from the product chosen, but from the way you apply it. The back is the most complex area to protect, so here’s what to do.
The back is a particularly vulnerable area for two simple reasons. First, it is difficult to access. Unless you are a contortionist, it is almost impossible to reach all areas of your own back evenly. We often zap the middle of the back or the underside of the shoulder blades. We don’t see what we’re doing. Unlike the legs or arms, the cream is applied blindly, which often results in a layer that is much too thin and heterogeneous. However, dermatologists and pharmacists constantly remind us: for a sunscreen to reach the protection factor (SPF) displayed on the tube, a very precise quantity must be applied. If you put half as much, you don’t halve the protection, you reduce it exponentially!
To never make a mistake again and finally offer an effective shield to your skin, a pharmacist shares her infallible method with us. Forget the simple “dab” of cream which is not even enough for a forearm. To effectively cover an adult’s entire back, the recommended amount is the equivalent of four fingers of sunscreen. Concretely, what does this mean? You should draw four generous lines of sunscreen along your index, middle, ring and little fingers. Only with this amount will you obtain the thickness necessary to block UVA and UVB rays. Since it’s the back, give these “four fingers” of cream to a loved one so that they can spread them evenly. Don’t forget the buffer zones: remember to extend the application onto the back of the neck, the top of the buttocks and the sides of the torso. And remember: just one application in the morning won’t protect you all day. To prevent the sunscreen from deteriorating, it is imperative to reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after bathing or wiping with a towel.
This summer, don’t let sunburn ruin your vacation. Adopt the four-finger reflex and enjoy the sun safely!
