05/01/2026
Restore Cosmetic Medicine
Sun Protection: lets help you get it right this summer
As we head into the sunny months, it’s the perfect time to check how well you’re really protecting your skin. Most people apply far less sunscreen than the amount needed to get the SPF rating on the bottle (studies suggest most people use half or less). And that means much less protection than you think you are getting.
To achieve the labelled SPF, you need around 2mg of sunscreen per cm² of skin. In practical terms, that’s about ¼ teaspoon for the face and neck, or the length of two fingers. If you’re only using half that amount, you’re getting roughly half the listed SPF protection. That’s why we always recommend starting with an SPF 50, so even if you fall short, you’ll still be closer to adequate coverage.
Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to form a proper protective layer, and be reapplied every two hours (or more often after swimming or sweating). Don’t forget frequently missed spots like ears, tops of feet, and the back of the neck.
Sun protection is a whole-family habit. Childhood sunburns are strongly linked to a greater lifetime risk of skin cancer, making it vital to establish good routines early. For children, daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 50, hats, and protective clothing builds lifelong habits that reduce their lifetime risk of skin cancer. This is even more important if you have a first degree relative with a history of melanoma, as your baseline risk is automatically doubled.
At Restore Cosmed, we’ve curated an online collection of effective, easy-to-wear sunscreens for the whole family chosen by doctors for their comfort, protection, and skin-friendly formulations. You can explore our favourites via our website at www.restorecosmed.co.nz/store/spf
Dr Cherie Wyatt-Hutana
Restore Cosmed — Doctor-Led Cosmetic & Skin Clinic, Huapai
Restore Cosmed
20 Matua Road, Huapai, Auckland.
www.restorecosmed.co.nz