June 15, 2026

What are the 3 most important sun-safe habits your skin will thank you for?

Families/Kids General Health
Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Sun safety requires a combination of everyday protective measures. These include covering up, using sunscreen, and being sensible about sun exposure.

🌞 🌞 Be sure to look out for our post coming tomorrow: “There’s a new sunscreen on the block: Here’s what to know.”

(Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on May 17, 2024.)

Summer is brimming with blooms, celebrations, and plans. As you gear up to spend more time outdoors, it’s also a good time to check in on your sun-safety routine.

The 3 most important sun-safe habits are:

➡️ Covering up

➡️ Using sunscreen

➡️ Being sensible about sun exposure

But it’s not just what you do; it’s how you do it that matters. To effectively protect your skin, sun protection needs to be done correctly and consistently.

😎 Remember, sun protection is for everyone. 😎

While it is true that people with lighter skin are more vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, all skin types are susceptible to UV damage, and anyone can get skin cancer.

Below are key points to help you get the most benefit from each type of sun protection.

✅ Cover up

This is often the most effective place to start. Covering up is a quick and easy way to provide broad coverage and protect delicate areas.

A wide-brimmed hat

  • Choose a hat made with densely woven fabric that protects your face, ears, and back of your neck.
  • A chin strap is a good option to keep your hat in place on breezy days.
  • Your hat should feel comfortable to wear for long stretches of time.

UV protective sunglasses

Sun-protective clothing and swimwear

Look for options made from lightweight, comfortable fabrics with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF).

✅ Use sunscreen

The FDA regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs. They’re considered safe and effective for adults and children over the age of 6 months, but they need to be used as directed for them to work.

😎 Dermatologists recommend regular sunscreen use for everyone, including people with darker skin tones. 😎

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) doesn’t recommend a specific type of sunscreen, but they do recommend using a sunscreen labeled with all of the following:

  • Sunburn protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
  • Broad Spectrum (blocks UVA and UVB rays)
  • “Water resistant” (lasts 40 minutes) or “very water resistant” (lasts 80 minutes)

The best sunscreen is one you’ll use and can afford. Read and follow your product’s instructions and make sure it’s not expired.

Sunscreens with an SPF 30 block 97% of UVB rays (the kind that cause sunburn). A higher SPF provides a bit more protection, but doesn’t last any longer.

🤓 What’s the difference between UVA and UVB? These are the two main types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that travel from the sun to the earth. They have different wavelengths that affect our skin in slightly different ways. Sunburns are mainly caused by UVB rays, while UVA rays penetrate skin more deeply and can even pass through most window glass. Both types cause eye and skin damage and can contribute to skin cancer, so it’s important for a sunscreen to have broad-spectrum protection from both. It’s also why tanning beds, which mostly emit UVA rays, are not safe even if they’re less likely to cause sunburns than sunlight.

Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally recognized as safe and aren’t readily absorbed through the skin. You may see these products labeled as “baby” or “sensitive” since clinicians often recommend them for young children (6 months and older) and during pregnancy.

Your clinician or pharmacist can help you pick a sunscreen if you’re unsure which to use. They can also help you know how careful you need to be in the sun based on your skin type and risk factors for skin cancer and other sun-related conditions.

All sunscreens need to be reapplied at least every 2 hours and after swimming. And don’t forget to use a lip balm with sun protection too.

A word on sunscreen sprays: They’re handy to use but they may not be your best option. It can be harder to tell if you’re using enough and there’s a risk of inhalation. Spraying in your hand and then applying is a good idea if someone else is nearby.

✅  Consider UV exposure

Outdoor sunlight carries the risk of cancer, photoaging, and eye disease. To lower these risks—but still enjoy the benefits of being outdoors—consider the following:

  • Use sun protection every day no matter the season—cloudy and cold days count too.
  • Be extra careful between 10 am and 4 pm daylight saving time (or 9 am and 3 pm standard time) when the sun’s rays are strongest.
  • Seek shade, or bring your own.
  • Sand, water, and snow reflect sunlight and increase your UV exposure so be extra mindful in these environments.
  • Don’t discount short everyday sun exposures. Sun damage can happen on days you weren’t planning on being in the sun. A quick “Hi” to a neighbor outside turns into a long conversation. The cafe only has outdoor seating. That’s why regular sunscreen use and bringing protection with you is a good idea.

Soaking up some sun feels good—and it’s good for you.

Spending time outdoors around green spaces has been linked to lower blood pressure, better sleep, and less chronic disease. Time spent in nature can also lift moods and bring a sense of calm.

Making sun safety an everyday habit helps you enjoy some sun without harming your skin.

Check for sunscreen recalls here: Drug Recalls

Link to Original Substack Post