9 Surprising Ways to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Many of us can’t wait to soak up the sun this summer, but it can really do a number on your skin.

Did you know that a tan—even a “base” one—is a sign of skin damage? It’s actually your body’s response to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight, which penetrates the skin and causes direct damage to your cells. Signs of sun damage include everything from sunburn and peeling, to dry skin, wrinkles, redness and sun spots. Even more concerning, damage caused by the sun's UV rays can lead to atypical moles and other lesions.

No one is immune to the long-term effects of unprotected sun exposure. Sun damage can affect any age or skin type, and lead to premature aging and skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is the most-commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the U.S.

You can keep your skin safe, healthy and youthful-looking by using a few key summer essentials: a broad-spectrum sunscreen (make sure it blocks both UVA and UVB rays), UV-blocking sunglasses, sun-protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Sunscreen plus protective gear may seem like a lot, but it’s the best way to avoid summer skin woes. Innovative sun-safety products include easy-to-apply sunscreen sprays and SPF-containing lipsticks as well as stylish sun-protective swimsuits with built-in SPF.

Celebrate your natural glow and healthy skin all summer long with these other sun-savvy tips:

Pack a shot glass. “It takes at least two ounces of sunscreen, or a shot glass full, to adequately protect your skin,” says Debra Wattenberg, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center and Founder of NYSKINRX. “If one bottle of sunscreen lasts you the entire summer, you are not applying enough of it!”

Get your glow on. For added protection, try a sun-protective moisturizer or sunscreen under your face powder, bronzer or foundation (even if it contains SPF!). Choose a lip gloss or balm that contains an SPF of 15 or higher.

Clock it. Apply sunscreen about 15 to 20 minutes before heading outdoors. It takes that long for it to “kick in” and be absorbed by your skin. Set an auto reminder or alarm on your phone that alerts you every two hours to goop up again.

Time it right. If possible, avoid going outside between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the sun is at its peak. If you have to be outdoors, look for protective shade under a tall, dense tree or take refuge under a wide awning or beach pavilion.

Cover up in style. Look for loose-fitting outfits that you can pair with matching layering pieces. On the beach, pair sun-protective clothing and swimwear with accessories such as a lightweight, brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. If you’re outside during peak sun hours, stay cool under a colorful beach umbrella and wear clothing in layers.

Don’t miss a spot. “It's best to apply sunscreen prior to putting on your swimsuit because the line where the skin meets the suit is a commonly skipped area,” says Dr. Wattenberg. Make sure you also spread sunscreen along your hairline, ears, lips, back of the neck, and the tops of your feet and hands.

Slather on a good one. Look for a waterproof sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection that has an SPF of 30 or higher. Using a bottle of sunscreen from last year? Check out the expiration date on the bottle. Most sunscreens work well for up to three years, as long as they are stored at room temperature.

Add antioxidants. Some studies suggest that adding a topical antioxidant—that is, applying both sunscreen and an antioxidant-containing preparation—may provide additional protection against sun damage. However, keep in mind that an antioxidant preparation should not be your only defense—slather on that sunscreen!

Check yourself out. Use a handheld and full-length mirror to do a monthly head-to-toe skin self-exam. Look for any new or changing freckles, moles or lesions. Let your doctor know right away if you notice anything suspicious, such as a discolored, itching or bleeding spot on your skin. Book an annual visit with a dermatologist for a more detailed exam. Thankfully, skin cancers found and removed early are almost always curable, according to experts at the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Dana Gottesman is a freelance writer and editor specializing in health and lifestyle topics.

Published May 23, 2014

Reviewed by Shira Goldenholz, MD, MPH on May 23, 2014