Are UV Stickers Actually Able To Tell You When To Reapply Sunscreen?

When it comes to a good skincare routine, sunscreen is the one product that many skin professionals and specialists say you cannot leave out. It protects your skin against harsh UV rays to prevent sun damage, sunburns, fine lines, and discoloration. It's especially important to apply it to your skin as the last step in your routine in the morning (via Mahoney Dermatology Specialists).

If you're unsure about how much sunscreen to use for your face, refer to the viral two-finger rule. The two-finger rule is actually pretty simple: squeeze your sunscreen out to cover your full finger lengthwise, usually onto your pointer and middle finger. The rest of your body requires two tablespoons for each exposed area. Many board-certified dermatologists have taken to social media to help educate their audiences on the topic. To get the most out of your sunscreen protection, dermatologist Dr. Muneeb Shah, known as Dermdoctor on TikTok, says a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more is best. In a common Q&A video, Dr. Shah explains that contrary to popular belief, sunscreen must be worn in the winter, indoors, and even during cloudy days. This is important not just for your face but for your whole body as well.

One application of sunscreen a day is not enough. In fact, medical professionals say that it is important to reapply sunscreen every two hours throughout the day, but many people forget to do so. Dr. Tracy Evans, a board-certified dermatologist, surgeon, and medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, tells Southern Living that reapplying sunscreen with the correct amount is essential to your skin's health. "When reapplying, make sure to shower or towel off, and then reapply," Dr. Evans says. "Spray sunscreens can be helpful when you are super active, but make sure to rub them in and make sure you apply enough fluid." Powder sunscreens are another way to easily reapply sunscreen, especially for makeup wearers.

If you are one to forget to reapply your sunscreen, today's technology may just have a solution. A new product, known as UV stickers, works to alert you when it is time to apply sunscreen again. SpotMyUV is the company behind this viral invention. According to SpotMyUV's description of its Detection Stickers, the sticker becomes clear when sunscreen is first applied over it. When it wears off, the sticker will turn purple to remind you to reapply your sunscreen. Each sticker lasts a whole day with 12 hours in the sun.

Working as a reminder alone, these stickers may work great to keep you on top of your sunscreen reapplication game. A clinical trial published in Preventive Medicine showed that those who used UV stickers were more likely to reapply their sunscreen, including those who felt they needed a reminder to do so. However, participants with the UV stickers did not reduce the sunburns they got because they were not using enough sunscreen. These stickers do not replace medical advice to reapply every two hours, as well as how much sunscreen you should be using.

Sunscreen reapplication is important regardless of whether the sticker turns purple or not past the two hours. For example, a sticker that turns purple on your shoulder does not represent the need for sunscreen on your legs, where the sticker may still be clear. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., tells Allure that many areas of your body may be exposed to the sun from different angles. Not all exposure is equal. "If your arm is somewhat shaded and your lower legs aren't, you may get a false sense of confidence that all of your body is being protected, and you don't have to reapply SPF when some areas need it to be reapplied."

If you need a reminder to reapply sunscreen, these stickers have been proven to be very helpful. The safest way to approach your reapplication is to simply reapply the correct amount needed on all parts of your body equally for optimum sun protection.