Do you know the correct way to apply sunscreen? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “To achieve the Sun Protection Factor (SPF, which protects against the sun’s UVB radiation) reflected on a bottle of sunscreen, you should use approximately two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. In practice, this means applying the equivalent of a shot glass (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to the exposed areas of the face and body – a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone. If you’re using a spray, apply until an even sheen appears on the skin.” 

Not only do we need to apply a shotglass amount of sunscreen, but you need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or sooner if you’re swimming or wiping yourself off with a towel. In addition, it’s important to look for sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30.

Many people don’t apply the recommended amount of sunscreen. They apply much less. In order to prevent skin cancer and protect our skin from premature aging caused by the sun’s rays, it’s important to take sunscreen application seriously. That’s why dermatologists are mad at Gwyneth Paltrow.

Paltrow shared her sunscreen application tips in a video for Vogue, and let’s just say she uses much, much less sunscreen than the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends. Like, MUCH less. She actually recommends only putting sunscreen on a few areas of your face instead of putting it all over your face. Watch the video below to see her advice for yourself.

It’s important to point out that Paltrow’s company Goop sells sunscreen, yet she doesn’t seem to know proper sunscreen use techniques. One viewer commented, “I think it just goes to show if you have money you can start a brand, clearly she doesn’t actually know proper skincare.”

Another comment reads, “This should have been titled ‘What NOT to do if you want to take care of your skin.’”

Some dermatologists have turned to social media to warn that Paltrow’s sunscreen application method is very incorrect. Marisa Garshick, M.D. F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She wrote on Instagram, “Sunscreen is only effective if enough of it is applied.” She added, “To be clear, it is not meant to be a sprinkle on the nose and cheeks. Even the EWG (as is referenced in the video) highlights one of the biggest mistakes with sunscreen is not applying enough of it.”

In addition, dermatologist Adeline Kikam, D.O., F.A.A.D., wrote on Instagram, “Sunscreen is not for 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 or to be used like a 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿. People already underapply sunscreen so this is not the message we want to be sending.” She explained, “As derms we see #skincancers cases on practically any part of the face. We know #sunburns can also occur on any sun exposed area of face & body.”

What’s your reaction to Paltrow’s sunscreen “tips”? Do you apply enough sunscreen?