Did You Know Using The 3 Finger Sunscreen Application Rule Can Exaggerate Your Acne? Yes It Does!
Did you know using too much of sunscreen on acne prone skin can backfire and cause more breakouts instead!
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any skincare routine, essential for protecting the skin against harmful UV rays. The widely recommended 3-finger rule suggests applying sunscreen in strips along three fingers to ensure adequate coverage. However, for those with acne-prone skin, this guideline might not be the best approach. Here’s why using a generous amount of sunscreen can aggravate acne and what dermatologists recommend instead.
What Is The Sunscreen 3-Finger Rule?
The 3-finger method is simply a means of ensuring that you are putting sufficient sunscreen on your face and neck. What it suggests is getting about as much as you would get if you put a strip down each finger and then use it all over your face. This process allows one to use just enough amount of sunblock that protect their skin from being damaged by ultraviolet radiation adequately.
What Dermatologists Say About The 3 Finger Sunscreen Application
While the 3 finger rule has taken over the beauty community, where everyone should blindly swear by it, some dermatologists beg to differ. They believe people who suffer from acne-prone skin should rather ditch the 3 finger method of application and instead use just a pea-size amount. Here’s how to correctly apply sunscreen on acne-prone skin
1) Choose the Right Sunscreen: Always go for sunscreens labelled non-comedogenic and oil-free. Generally, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to cause problems in acne-prone skin.
2) Use Sparingly: A pea-size amount is enough for your face. Dab gently on the forehead, both cheeks, nose and chin, then spread evenly.
3) Layering Technique: You can use the layering technique if you feel like you need more protection from the UV rays. Just apply little by little starting with little amounts that dry up before further coatings are done.
4) Reapplication: Every two hours when exposed to the sun reapply sunscreen but remember; to make sure that each time you apply it in small quantities.
Problem Areas for Acne-Prone Skin
The three fingers method tends to work well for most people however, it might not be a good choice for individuals who suffer from pimples and zits regularly. Heavily coating your skin with sunscreen can clog pores, enable sweat and dirt buildup and ultimately cause breakouts. Let’s dig deeper into these points:
1) Pore-Clogging Ingredients: Numerous sunscreens contain oils or silicones that plug up pores causing pimples.
2) Density: Dense creams are also another source of pore-clogging issues regardless of them being non-comedogenic labelled.
3) Increased Oiliness: Some sunscreens can increase the skin’s oiliness, exacerbating existing acne and contributing to new breakouts.
Also Read: How To Pick A Sunscreen For The Monsoon Season? 7 Things To Keep In Mind
While the 3-finger rule is a handy guideline for most, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Acne-prone skin requires a more tailored approach to avoid exacerbating breakouts.
First Published: July 01, 2024 2:02 PM
