I read a study about how much sunscreen people actually use and the numbers are wild

I was looking at some research from a dermatology journal, I think it was the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and they had this stat that most people only apply about 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. The full amount is supposed to be like a shot glass for your whole body. I mean, I knew clients were probably skimping, but seeing that number really hit me. It means even if they're using SPF 50, they're maybe getting the protection of SPF 20 or less. I've started showing this to clients during consults, just holding up a shot glass next to their little bottle. It makes the point way better than me just saying 'use more'. Has anyone else found a good way to get people to actually use enough sunscreen without making it feel like a chore?

3 comments

3 Comments

aaronlopez19d ago

Just saw that study and it explains a lot. I once used so much sunscreen I left a white outline of myself on the beach towel like a crime scene. The shot glass visual is smart, makes it concrete. I bet people hear "use more" and just add another pea sized blob. Maybe the real move is to sell sunscreen in those little airline liquor bottles.

nora_walker5719d ago

That crime scene towel visual is too real. I got so paranoid after a bad burn once that I used almost a whole bottle on a weekend trip. My skin felt like a wax museum figure and I left greasy prints on every door handle.

shanem3712d ago

Right? The airline bottle idea is genius. We're all out here leaving grease stains and ghost outlines while they could just sell us the exact amount.