As important as getting outside is, it’s also essential to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. And, it’s not as simple as just slathering on the sunscreen.
The sun has many benefits, and there are plenty of ways to get your daily dose of sun, no matter the season. But there are also ways to help protect your skin so that you can reduce your risk of skin cancer, premature signs of aging, and more.
Read on to get expert recommendations on how to best shield your skin from too much sun.
We’ve come a long way in how we discuss sun protection, but there are plenty of misconceptions that still need to be dispelled.
A little prevention goes a long way
Whether a person is dealing with skin cancer, signs of aging, or hyperpigmentation, it’s common for them to wish they knew how to take better care of their skin when they were younger.
Research shows sun exposure has several benefits, including boosting our physical and
That said, prevention is the best possible approach to skin health and sun exposure. In addition to
It’s not just for sunny days
Sun protection is often top of mind during the summer, when people move outdoors for barbecues, water sports, and swimming.
However, sun protection should be as much a part of your routine as brushing your teeth: An everyday nonnegotiable, regardless of your race, age, or skin tone.
This is true even when it’s:
- hot and cloudy
- cold and sunny
- cold and cloudy
It’s also true when driving or sitting near a window.
Sun protection does a lot more than prevent skin cancer
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime, with sun exposure being a critical risk factor.
Up to 90% of skin damage and visible skin changes are caused by ultraviolet exposure, so prevention is a first-line treatment in keeping skin as healthy as possible.
In addition to mitigating skin cancer risk, prevention can help with skin appearance.
Sun damage can:
- reduce skin elasticity
- reduce collagen
- cause pigmentation, sun spots, and redness
- cause broken blood vessels
Though research on sun damage and skin cancer has grown, dermatologists say there are still things they wish people knew — and stopped saying — about sun protection.
Black people can’t get sunburned
Skin tone does not protect you against sun damage, including burns.
Though skin cancer is less common in people of color, the mortality in these individuals is higher. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, this higher rate is partly due to a lack of awareness that the sun can impact dark skin tones.
This myth is particularly harmful, as burns are a risk factor for skin cancer.
You don’t need sunscreen indoors or when driving
Sun’s rays do penetrate car, home, and office windows.
An older
You don’t need sunscreen if you’ll only be exposed to the sun for a few minutes
There’s been some debate over how long someone can be in the sun without sunscreen, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. The strength of the rays will vary and affect people differently.
Incorporating sunscreen application into your routine, like putting sunscreen on after you brush your teeth, is a good way to get into the daily practice of wearing SPF.
One application of sunscreen is enough
Not necessarily.
If you’re indoors most of the time and not by a window, then one might be enough. But a lot of the ingredients in sunscreen break down with sun exposure over a few hours.
Reapply every 2 hours to ensure your protection is still effective if you’re outside swimming or sweating.
A 2022 AAD survey of 1,000 U.S. adults suggested nearly two-thirds of people did not reapply sunscreen.
Any sunscreen will do
Not all sunscreens are created equally.
Make sure your sunscreen is
Sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency
A
There are other ways to get vitamin D, including supplements and food. Vitamin D is found in eggs, fish, and milk.
Waterproof sunscreens exist
Some sunscreens are water-resistant, but no completely waterproof products exist. So, it’s essential to reapply after swimming.
Follow these tips:
- Check the bottle to see how long your sunscreen is water-resistant.
- Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before diving into the water to allow it to absorb.
- Always apply to dry skin.
- Be sure to get out of the water, dry off, and reapply within the timeframe on the label.
Shade is enough protection from the sun
Though sitting under a tree, awning, or umbrella can provide a shield from the sun, it doesn’t negate the need for SPF. Same for wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
The sun reflects off the environment, especially sand, water, and snow. If you’re wading into a pool with a wide-brimmed hat, the sun is going to bounce off the water and onto your skin. Layering on sunscreen is still critical.
A light tan is healthy
There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan — even a “base tan” — still damages DNA, so even with a light tan, you increase your risk of getting cancer.
It’s too late to implement sun-safe habits
Sun-related skin damage is an accumulation of a lifetime of exposure. So, even if you start protecting your skin from the sun later in life, it’s better late than never.
Cliche as it sounds, dermatologists believe prevention is the best medicine for sun damage, and that means sun protection.
Here are their top tips for protecting yourself:
- Apply it every day (and reapply as needed): SPF should be part of your daily skin care regimen, no matter the season or cloudy weather. Apply sunscreen to dry skin after your cleanser and moisturizer.
- Use the right amount: For most adults, apply a 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sunscreen to the face and neck area and a full shot glass (1 ounce) to the rest of the body.
- Choose the right sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. No sunscreen protects 100%, but SPF 30 protects against 97%, and SPF 50 protects against 98%. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if you plan to swim.
- You missed a spot: There are 7 body parts that people commonly miss when applying sunscreen. Make sure you get ’em all!
- Avoid peak sun hours: If possible, stay out of the sun when the rays are strongest, typically between
10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re in the sun during that time, stay under an umbrella or tree for extra protection. - Choose sun-protective clothes and accessories: Opt for items like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long sleeves and pants, and sun-protective clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. The Skin Cancer Foundation says clothing marked UF 50+ provides “excellent” protection.
- Do a skin check at least once per year: Here’s how to check your skin at home. See a dermatologist if you notice itching, bleeding, or other changes in your skin.
The best sun care product is one that you’ll use. Look for a sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. In addition, certain ingredients found in sunscreens can be beneficial for certain skin types and environmental factors.
Oily skin
Sunscreen can make oily skin feel greasier. An oil-free, noncomedogenic product is less likely to clog pores.
Secondary ingredients that may be beneficial for people with oily skin include:
- hyaluronic acid for moisture
- anti-inflammatories, like green tea and niacinamide
- alpha hydroxy acid, such as lactic or glycolic acid
Dry skin or climates
If you have dry skin or are headed to a drier climate, like a desert vacation, look for products with extra moisture, such as:
- hyaluronic acid
- alpha hydroxy acid
- glycerin
- dimethicone
Sensitive skin
Those with sensitive skin should steer clear of sun care products with three common irritants:
Look for a mineral-based sunscreen rather than a chemical one. You may have to try a few products before finding the one that works best for your sensitive skin. Sunscreen marketed for babies can often a good choice, as it typically contains fewer ingredients.
It’s always a good idea to do a patch test before you use a new product on your skin.
Dark skin
People with dark skin may avoid sunscreen in part because of the white cast it leaves behind.
These days, there are better options available that match darker skin tones or go on clear.
Make-up wearers
Finding a tinted sunscreen can make life easier if you’re in a rush, not to mention you’ll be more comfortable in the summer heat without having to layer on foundation and sunscreen.
For swimming and water sports
If you’re diving in, find a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Dry-touch or gel formulations can be good. But remember, there are no 100% waterproof sunscreens, only water-resistant ones, and you’ll need to reapply every 2 hours.
Sun damage is a leading cause of skin cancer and cosmetic skin issues, including wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
Prevention is the best medicine. For the best protection, add sunscreen to your skin care regimen every day. Use a broad-spectrum product with at least SPF 30.
All skin types and tones are susceptible to skin cancer and damage from the sun. There’s no such thing as a healthy tan. Even if you don’t get color in the sun, you may still have experienced damage.
If you haven’t protected your skin well throughout your life, there’s no better time to start than now. You benefit every time you protect your skin from harmful rays.