By now, most of us understand that wearing sunscreen daily is a must. Healthy skin is more important than a tan, and that applies all year round. Protecting your skin consistently helps maintain its glow while reducing the risk of serious issues like moisture loss, premature aging, and even skin cancer. While wrinkles might seem like the biggest concern, skin cancer is a far more serious threat.
Sun damage happens when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. According to the FDA, UVB rays cause sunburn, but both UVA and UVB contribute to skin cancer. This means you can suffer sun damage even if you don’t get a sunburn.
Experts say that UV exposure is responsible for the vast majority of non-melanoma skin cancers. To protect yourself, the FDA recommends using broad-spectrum sunscreens, which shield against both UVA and UVB rays. If a sunscreen isn’t labeled as broad spectrum, it may only protect against UVB, preventing sunburn but still leaving you vulnerable to UVA damage. In 2019, the FDA confirmed that only two active ingredients—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—are generally recognized as safe and effective for sun protection.
It’s also important to know that sunscreens cannot claim to provide instant protection or be waterproof or sweatproof. Instead, they should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and labeled as water-resistant or sweat-resistant, with a specified duration of effectiveness.
For daily use, the FDA recommends at least SPF 15, but if you’re spending time outdoors, SPF 30 or higher is best. Even with sunscreen, staying in the shade whenever possible is a smart move. If you can’t avoid direct sunlight, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses adds extra protection while keeping your skin looking youthful.
Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen to get the full SPF protection listed on the label. If you’re only using a small amount, you might be cutting your protection in half. The key is to apply sunscreen generously. If you don’t like the feel of thick sunscreen, try a different formula—there are plenty of lightweight options available today.
Once applied, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours when you’re outside, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Sunscreen now comes in many forms, making it easy to incorporate into your routine. There are options for your face, body, and even hair, so you can stay protected without much effort.
For those who prefer multitasking products, some leave-in conditioners offer UV protection for both hair and scalp. These formulas often contain nourishing ingredients like silk proteins and natural oils, making them a great addition to your routine even on cloudy days.
If your moisturizer or foundation doesn’t contain SPF, or if you want to reapply throughout the day, brush-on powder sunscreens are a convenient option. Made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, these powders are easy to carry and apply, making them perfect for on-the-go protection.
For families, travel-sized sunscreen packets are a great solution. Each packet contains enough sunscreen for your arms, legs, and face, and they’re easy to stash in a bag for quick application.
If you want a little color while staying protected, some sunscreens offer a gradual self-tanning effect. These formulas develop a natural-looking tan over a few hours, making them a great option for beach days.
For those who dislike greasy hands, spray sunscreens are a mess-free alternative. A fine mist formula absorbs quickly, providing lightweight, water-resistant protection. Some sprays even work at any angle, making it easy to cover hard-to-reach areas without assistance.
With so many options available, there’s no excuse to skip sunscreen. Whether you prefer lotions, powders, sprays, or multitasking products, protecting your skin from the sun has never been easier.