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Summer is on the way and the sun is getting stronger, which means many of us are reaching for sunscreen more often. But are you really using enough to stay protected? Spanish dermatologist Ana Molina, who shares skincare advice on Instagram as @dr.anamolina, says that most people are applying far too little.

 

“The most common mistake is applying less than half of the right amount,” she explains. In scientific terms, the ideal is 2 mg per cm² of skin. That might sound abstract, so she offers a simple trick: use the full length of two fingers’ worth of product for the face and neck. “Since almost no one reaches that level, my advice as a dermatologist is to always opt for SPF 50+. That way, even if you apply less, you’ll be more protected,” she says.

 

She also wants to clear up a common misunderstanding about the number on the bottle. “It’s not the number of minutes you can stay in the sun; it’s a multiplier of your own natural resistance,” she explains. So, for example, if it normally takes you 10 minutes to get sunburned, an SPF 30 would give you about 300 minutes of protection – but only if you use the correct amount.

 

Many people tell her in consultations, “Doctor, I use SPF 30 and I still get burned.” “The problem is usually not the product itself, but the amount and the concept behind it,” she says. To protect your skin from sunburn, blemishes and even the long term risk of skin cancer, reapplying sunscreen regularly and sticking to a high SPF makes a real difference.

 

She also points out that not all protection is about UVB. Look for the UVA seal on the packaging, as well as protection against blue light and infrared radiation, which can contribute to ageing. If your sunscreen has a tint, the pigments add an extra shield against spots and ageing as well.

 

As she puts it: “Don’t take chances with the sun; your skin has an elephant’s memory.” Summer may be a time for sun soaked days in Spain, but a few smart sunscreen choices can help you enjoy it safely, summer after summer.