Question:
Recent studies have shown that most people don't apply enough
sunscreen for adequate protection. You should apply 1 oz of
sunscreen--that's about a shotglass full.
1 oz!?! That's really expensive if you think about it! From my
research, the average drugstore sunscreen costs $8 for 4-6 oz. That
can be up to $2 per day of sun protection, which is very expensive for
me. That's $730 a year--owch! Any tips on saving money on sunscreen?
Answer:
That's interesting. Do you remember reading how much exposed skin was
being covered? For protection at the beach, that might be right, but if
you just need protection for your face, neck and arms up to a
short-sleeved shirt, then I'd expect to use less.
I've recently started using the Fallene Total Block, and I know I haven't
used it at the rate of an ounce a day (at ~$22 for a 2 oz bottle, that
would be rather steep). Despite being extremely fair, I certainly haven't
noticed any burn through even when I've been out for several hours in the
middle of the day, so I don't *think* I'm underapplying.
> 1 oz!?! That's really expensive if you think about it! From my
> research, the average drugstore sunscreen costs $8 for 4-6 oz. That
> can be up to $2 per day of sun protection, which is very expensive for
> me. That's $730 a year--owch! Any tips on saving money on sunscreen?
I've never used it, but CVS lists the No-Ad brand at SPF 45 for $9 for 16
oz. My experience with sunblock is that they're variable. Some don't
provide the protection I expect even when I use them according to
directions, others I don't like and so I find I forget to use them. You
might want to buy a selection of the smaller sizes of different brands to
find out which one you really like.
Congratulations to you on taking it seriously though. I was reading
one of those sites that says your risk of skin cancer as well as premature
aging goes up for every serious sunburn you've had. I remember thinking "I
wonder if they mean every time you get burned enough to peel or if it only
counts if your skin actually blistered?" Either way, all I can do now is
prevent further damage.
