Reasons to use sunscreen

What does sunscreen protect you from?

• Sunburn. UVB rays damage the outer layers of skin and are the main cause of sunburn. Sunscreen reduces that exposure.
• Skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a major cause of skin cancer. Protection matters for every skin tone, including darker skin that burns less easily.
• Premature skin aging. Sun exposure contributes to wrinkles, age spots and loss of skin elasticity. UVA rays can also pass through window glass.
• Further damage after skin cancer. If you have already had skin cancer, sun protection can reduce your risk of developing another.

Sun protection helps prevent premature wrinkles and age spots, giving it a concrete job in a skincare category fond of vague promises. Sun damage is permanent, so preventing damage matters more than waiting for visible changes before protecting your skin.45

Do you need sunscreen on cloudy days?

Wear sunscreen on uncovered skin every day you go outdoors, including short trips and winter days. Clouds and haze do not reliably protect you: UV levels can remain high under cloud cover, and ultraviolet radiation cannot be seen or felt. The UV index measures the potential for sun damage; use sun protection when it reaches 3 or above. Water, sand and snow reflect UV radiation, increasing exposure.34

Which sunscreen should you choose?

Look for broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. Broad spectrum covers UVA and UVB; SPF mainly describes protection against sunburn from UVB. Higher SPF does not replace reapplication. Creams suit dry skin, while gels suit oily skin and hairy areas. For sensitive skin, consider a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Tinted sunscreen with iron oxide also helps protect against visible light that can worsen dark spots, particularly in darker skin tones.246

How do you get the protection on the label?

1. 1Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors, following the product directions.
2. 2Cover all uncovered skin generously. Most adults need about one ounce to cover exposed areas, and at least one teaspoon for the face.
3. 3Include your ears, neck, hands, tops of feet, hairline and exposed scalp. Use an SPF 30 or higher lip balm for your lips.
4. 4Reapply about every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating as directed. Water resistant labels specify 40 or 80 minutes of protection during swimming or sweating; no sunscreen is waterproof.
5. 5For sprays, follow the application instructions and never spray directly onto your face. Keep spray sunscreen away from flames and avoid inhaling it.

What else should you do?

No sunscreen completely blocks UV radiation. Seek shade and limit exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wear clothing that covers your skin, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses labeled UV400 or 100% UV protection. A baseball cap leaves your ears and the sides of your face exposed. Sunscreen covers the skin your clothing does not.134

Who needs extra care?

Be especially careful if you have pale skin, a personal or family history of skin cancer, or take medication that increases sun sensitivity. Ask your healthcare professional about sun precautions for your medicines. Keep babies younger than six months out of direct sun and use shade and protective clothing; ask a doctor before applying sunscreen. Check your sunscreen's expiry date and discard expired products. If there is no date, discard it three years after purchase. Keep the container away from excessive heat and direct sun.126