You're not applying sunscreen right, scientists warn

Researchers urge people to use higher-SPF products to compensate for tendency to apply protection too thinly

The typical way most of us apply sunscreen leaves our skin with less than half the expected protection from damaging ultraviolet rays, say scientists.

New research has revealed that when sunscreen is applied in a typical way, it provides only 40% of the protection they might expect based on the sun protection factor (SPF). Most skin cancers are caused by DNA damage from UV radiation in sunlight.