Using too little and waiting too long to reapply-the correct answer is using too little and waiting too long to reapply.about 1 ounce of sunscreen (a palmful) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult. for best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. products labeled waterproof may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating. products that are water resistant may provide protection for only 40 minutes.to be safe use a lot of sunscreen and use it often.