4 New Sunscreen Rules When applied consecutively for several days, sunscreen can actually accumulate on your skin enough to raise the SPF level, resulting in even better protection against sun damage, according a new study from the Department of Dermatology at the Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen. Twenty-five volunteers applied sunscreenon their backs for five days. One group put it on once a day, while and the other group applied it three times daily. The results? Those who applied the sunscreen three times a day were 57% more protected than those who applied it once a day. SPF levels actually cap off after three days, which means if you’re heading to the beach on Memorial Day, now’s the perfect time to start slathering on the sunscreen, ideally several times a day (though even just a couple times in the days leading up to beach time still offers protective benefits). 15 Top Sunscreen Questions—Answered [sidebar]Oh, and in case you’re thinking, “Apply it now and not shower for three days?” not to worry; most soaps aren’t powerful enough to wash away the non-water-soluble elements in the most effective sunscreen they tested—which had titanium dioxide as the active sun blocker. Just be sure not to exfoliate. Not sure about how much sunscreen you need to apply? Experts say you need about a shot glass-full for your body, and a tablespoon for your face. Click here for even more ways to protect your gorgeous skin this long weekend. Also see: The Best Natural Sunscreens, How To Apply Sunscreen, How Your Sunscreen Measures Up
