Dr Ramani's Sunscreen Guide
Sunscreen is one of the simplest, most powerful habits I ask my patients to build. This is how I explain it in clinic. Protect your skin today, protect your future.
Daily protection has lifelong benefits.
Every day, UV light adds up. Even short moments outdoors, driving, walking to the car or sitting near a window, all contribute. Daily sunscreen helps prevent sun damage, slows premature ageing and lowers your long term risk of skin cancer.
- No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays.
- Higher SPF does not mean you can skip reapplication.
- Reapply regularly for the protection to actually work.
Use enough for full, even protection.
Most people apply far too little sunscreen. Use the teaspoon rule as a guide:
- Face and neck: 1 teaspoon
- Each arm: 1 teaspoon
- Front and back of torso combined: 2 teaspoons
- Each thigh: 1 teaspoon
- Each lower leg: 1 teaspoon
Total for a full body application: about 9 teaspoons, or 45 ml.
Choose the texture you will actually use.
Sticks are neat for the face, ears and small touch ups. Lotions cover the body well and are easy to measure. Sprays are convenient but need generous, even layering. Pick what fits your routine, because the best sunscreen really is the one you will use every day.
Small habits make sunscreen work better.
- Don't forget the ears, back of the neck, scalp parting and tops of the feet.
- Apply moisturiser first, then sunscreen, then make up.
- Apply 15 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every 2 hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.
Four things to look for.
- SPF 50 or higher. SPF 50 is ideal for tropical countries like Malaysia.
- Broad spectrum. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Water resistant if you sweat or swim.
- Gentle, non comedogenic formulas for sensitive skin.
Some rheumatology patients need extra care in the sun.
This is especially important for those with:
- Lupus or dermatomyositis
- Other photosensitive conditions
- Medicines that increase sun sensitivity, for example methotrexate or azathioprine
For these patients, I usually recommend layering protection: sunscreen, protective clothing, a wide brim hat and sunglasses, avoiding peak sun between 10am and 4pm, and using sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
Using SPF 50 but applying too little gives you much less protection than you think.
Use enough. Reapply regularly. Stay protected.
Healthy skin today, healthier you tomorrow.
Sunscreen questions I hear in clinic
What SPF should I use every day?
I usually recommend SPF 50 or higher, broad spectrum, for daily use in Malaysia. Our UV index is high most days of the year, so I prefer to give my patients strong protection as a baseline.
How much sunscreen do I actually need to apply?
Use the teaspoon rule. About 1 teaspoon for your face and neck, 1 teaspoon for each arm, 2 teaspoons for the front and back of the torso, and 1 teaspoon for each thigh and each lower leg. That works out to around 9 teaspoons, or 45 ml, for a full body application.
How often should I reapply?
Every 2 hours when you are outdoors, and after swimming, heavy sweating or towelling. Indoors, you can usually go longer between applications.
Lotion, stick or spray, which is best?
The best sunscreen is the one you will actually use. Lotions cover well, sticks are useful for the face and small areas, sprays are convenient but need to be layered on properly. Pick the texture that suits your routine.
Do I need sunscreen on cloudy days?
Yes. UV light still reaches your skin through clouds. Daily sun protection is a habit, not something reserved for beach days.
Who needs extra sun protection?
Patients with lupus or dermatomyositis, other photosensitive conditions, and those taking medicines that increase sun sensitivity such as methotrexate or azathioprine.
Does higher SPF mean I can skip reapplication?
No. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, and higher SPF does not stretch the reapplication window. Apply enough and reapply on time.
Not sure if you need extra sun protection?
If you have lupus, a photosensitive condition, or take medicines that increase sun sensitivity, message me and we can review your routine together.