How Much Sunscreen Should You Use On Your Face? - Healthline
Maybe your like
- Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAll
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer Care
- Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Digestive Health
- Eye Health
- Heart Health
- Menopause
- Mental Health
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Sleep Health
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Weight Management
Controlling Ulcerative Colitis
Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder
Mastering Geographic Atrophy
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
- WellnessWellness TopicsAll
- CBD
- Fitness
- Healthy Aging
- Hearing
- Mental Well-Being
- Nutrition
- Parenthood
- Recipes
- Sexual Health
- Skin Care
- Sleep Health
- Vitamins and Supplements
- Women's Wellness
- At-Home Testing
- Men's Health
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- Sleep
- Vitamins and Supplements
- Women's Health
Your Guide to Glucose Health
Inflammation and Aging
Cold & Flu Season Survival Guide
She’s Good for Real
- ToolsFeatured
- Video Series
- Pill Identifier
- FindCare
- Drugs A-Z
- Medicare Plans by State
- Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Essentials
- Diabetes Nutrition
- High Cholesterol
- Taming Inflammation in Psoriasis
- Taming Inflammation in Psoriatic Arthritis
- Anxiety and Depression
- Digestive Health
- Heart Health
- Migraine
- Nutrition Edition
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Wellness Wire
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Weight Management
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Are You a Workaholic?
- FeaturedHealth NewsAll
- Medicare 2026 Changes
- Can 6-6-6 Walking Workout Help You Lose Weight?
- This Couple Lost 118 Pounds Together Without Medication
- 5 Science-Backed Ways to Live a Longer Life
- Morning Coffee May Help You Live Longer
- 5 Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
- How to Disinfect Your House After the Flu
- Best Vegan and Plant-Based Meal Delivery for 2025
- Does Medicare Cover Pneumonia Shots?
- Chromosomes, Genetics, and Your Health
- Best Multivitamins for Women
- Best Multivitamins for Men
- Best Online Therapy Services
- Online Therapy That Takes Insurance
- Buy Ozempic Online
- Mounjaro Overview
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- Through an Artist's Eye
- Future of Health
- ConnectFind Your Bezzy Community
Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.
All
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Depression
Migraine
Type 2 Diabetes
Psoriasis
Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.
- Your Skin
- Science
- Ingredients
- Routine
- Acne
- Conditions
- Procedures
- Products
- Sun Protection
- Natural
- Hair & Nails
Medically reviewed by Bukky Aremu, APRN — Written by Beth Ann Mayer — Updated on May 8, 2025- Teaspoon
- Fingers
- Takeaway
It’s important to use broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects your face against UVA and UVB rays.
Slathering on sunscreen is a good idea. Using the right amount of sunscreen on your face and neck is an important step in reducing your risk of sun damage.
You can use everyday items to measure how much sunscreen to put on your face and neck.
Measure by a teaspoon or dime
Measuring spoons aren’t just for cooking. You can also use them to ensure you’re slathering on the optimal amount of sunscreen.
A 1/4 teaspoon, or about the size of a dime, should cover your face and neck. Use more as needed.
Measure with your fingers
You might not carry a measuring spoon in your beach bag, but you can gauge the amount of sunscreen you’re applying to your face by using your hands.
Use your fingertip to help measure. Look at the space between the first crease in your finger and your fingertip. That’s typically about two pea-size amounts, which is the amount of sunscreen needed for your face.
The takeaway
Applying sunscreen to your face is a critical step in preventing short and long-term sun damage, including burns and skin cancer.
Other ways to reduce sun damage include wearing sun-protective clothing, like a hat or shawl.
How we reviewed this article:
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.- All about sunscreen. (2025).https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Bukky Aremu, APRN — Written by Beth Ann Mayer — Updated on May 8, 2025related stories
- Sunscreen: Does SPF Matter and Which One Should I Choose?
- Does Sunscreen Expire?
- Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning?
- Best Sunscreen Sprays for Year-Round Use
- Nurx Skincare Brand Review 2026: Reputation, Products, and More
Tag » How Much Sunscreen For Face
-
Here's How Much Sunscreen To Use On Face | Well+Good
-
This Is How Much Sunscreen You Should Be Applying To Your Face
-
How Much Sunscreen Do You Really Need To Apply Every Day?
-
How Much Sunscreen Is Enough For Your Face? - Dr. Bailey Skin Care
-
How Much Sunscreen You Should Apply To Your Face - Colorescience
-
Ask The Expert: How Much Sunscreen Should I Be Using On My Face ...
-
How Much Sunscreen To Use On Face? - Babo Botanicals
-
Sunscreen For Face - How Much To Use According To A Dermatologist
-
So, Exactly How Much Sunscreen Should You Be Applying?
-
How Much Sunscreen Do You Need? - Twindly Beauty Blog
-
How Much Sunscreen To Use | Sun Protection | Eucerin UK
-
How To Apply Sunscreen Correctly, According To A Dermatologist
-
How SPF Changes With How Much Sunscreen You Use