5 surprising tips on how to protect your skin from the sun

You may already know that sun protection is an important part of skin care. After all, practicing good sun care can reduce your risk for sunburn as well as long-term effects of UV exposure, such as premature signs of aging and some skin cancers. Whether you’re an experienced sunscreen user or just beginning to learn about your options, these surprising tips can help you better protect your skin from the sun:

If you use gel, cream or lotion sunscreens, it's important to apply an adequate amount. Generally speaking, in order to cover your face and exposed areas of your body, you’ll need one full ounce of sunscreen, but you don’t have to eyeball it. Simply dispensing your sunscreen into a 1-ounce shot glass and then using the full amount makes getting adequate coverage easy. If you’re only applying sunscreen to your face, a nickel-sized dollop is usually enough.

As you apply sunscreen, pay extra attention to these commonly missed spots:

• Ears
  
• Areas of your scalp that are exposed, such as your part or a bald spot
• Hands
• Back of the neck
• Tops of the feet
• Tip of your nose
• Lips

Sun protection doesn’t have to add an extra step to your beauty routine. For everyday sun protection, look for cosmetics and skin care products that provide broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. Some brands add sunscreens to various skin care products and cosmetics, such as:

• Moisturizers
  
• CC creams
• Primers
• Foundations
• Powders
• Bronzers

When you’re spending time outdoors for long periods, keep an eye on the time. Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before you head outside. Then, reapply your sunscreen at least once every two hours. If you’re swimming or sweating profusely, reapply more frequently, even if you’re using a water-resistant product. Setting an alarm on your cell phone can help ensure that you don’t forget to reapply.

To lower your likelihood of sun-related skin damage, use sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy or rainy. Although the sun’s rays are most intense during the summer, sunburns can also happen in other seasons. In fact, snow can increase your exposure to UV because it reflects the sun’s rays back at you.

Wearing the right clothing and accessories when you’re outside can help protect your skin from the sun. Here’s what to wear from head to toe for maximum sun protection:

• A wide-brimmed hat free of mesh inserts or perforated decorations that let in the sun
• Sunglasses with UV protection, particularly styles with large lenses, such as aviators and wraparound frames
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially those that have
  UPF ratings
• Clothing made of tightly woven fabrics that you can’t see through
• Dark or bright colors, which absorb more of the sun’s rays
• Shoes that fully cover your feet

Updated August 2024.