Long story, short
- Applying half the recommended amount (the two-finger rule / ¼ tsp for face) cuts SPF50 protection down to roughly SPF20 — density matters.
- Pair sunscreen with antioxidants to mop up free radicals that sneak through UV filters; Beauty Pie’s Traceless Mineral SPF 30 includes Indian Beech Seed Extract for exactly this.
- UVA rays pass through windows — working from home is not a free pass to skip SPF.
- The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use: apply generously, wait a few minutes, then reapply throughout the day.
Despite the fact that sunscreen is ideally a year-round feature in your skincare routine, summer weather brings it more sharply into focus - so we’ve taken a look at some of the latest research so that you can ensure you’re getting the very best protection.
Am I applying enough sunscreen? The two-finger rule, explained
You’ve heard the two-finger rule (or ¼ teaspoon for face), but let’s be real: most people are applying half that, if not less. And sunscreen doesn’t work on good intentions - this skin-protective formula works on density. A 2021 paper in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that halving the amount of SPF50 essentially cuts its protection down to around SPF20.
A better approach: apply generously, wait a few minutes, then reapply.
Why should I use antioxidants alongside my SPF sunscreen?
Sunscreen blocks and scatters UV rays, but some still sneak through. That’s where antioxidants come in, acting like molecular bodyguards to mop up free radicals before they can wreak havoc.
Our Traceless Mineral SPF 30 is infused with Indian Beech Seed Extract, a powerful antioxidant which helps to shield skin from environmental stress.
Do I need to wear SPF indoors if I work from home?
“I don’t need SPF - I work from home” is a response we hear all the time. Here’s why that’s flawed: UVA rays pass through windows. Blue light from screens might not burn, but there’s some evidence (though not fully conclusive) that long-term exposure may contribute to pigmentation and oxidative stress. More robust studies are ongoing, but the precautionary principle applies. If you want skin that looks like you drink three litres of water and sleep in an oxygen chamber, just wear the SPF.
How do I make wearing sunscreen a seamless part of my daily makeup routine?
That way you’ll go for formulas that not only feel lightweight and appear traceless, but you’ll also be prioritising non-shiny, non-greasy textures that stop the makeup ‘slide’. All the Beauty Pie sunscreens have primers built-in, because we’re so insistent that sunscreen should work as both the last step of your skincare, and the first step of your makeup.
Why is daily SPF the single best anti-ageing investment I can make for my skin?
Don’t treat SPF as a seasonal accessory - SPF is your skin’s pension plan. Go high, go broad, go often. Layer it with intention, combine it with smart antioxidants, and reapply with the rigour of a dermatologist on a beach holiday.
And remember: the perfect sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use.
