Why look beyond sunscreen
Sunscreen is useful, but it has weaknesses. It is usually applied too thinly, it wears off and it is easy to miss patches. Physical barriers do not depend on how carefully you apply anything and do not rub off. Health organizations typically recommend combining several measures rather than relying on one, and sunscreen is generally described as the backup for skin that is still exposed.
Timing: when you are outside
UV is usually strongest around the middle of the day, often loosely described as roughly late morning to mid-afternoon, and stronger in summer and closer to the equator. Altitude and reflective surfaces such as water, sand and snow can raise exposure further.
Simple ways to use this:
- Schedule outdoor exercise, errands and play earlier or later when you can.
- Check the UV index in your local forecast. Higher values mean you should take more care.
- Remember that shadows give a rough clue: if your shadow is shorter than you are, UV is usually strong.
Shade
Seeking shade can reduce your exposure noticeably, but it is not complete protection. UV scatters in the air and bounces off surfaces, so you may still be exposed under a tree, umbrella or awning. Dense shade from buildings or thick canopy tends to be better than thin or patchy cover. Think of shade as one layer of a plan, and still wear sunscreen or clothing if you will be out for a long time.
Portable options like umbrellas, pop-up canopies and stroller covers are useful for events, beaches and kids’ sports. Check that they are made to block UV, since not all fabrics do.
Hats
A wide-brimmed hat shades the face, ears and neck, which are common places for sun damage. Brims of about three inches or more all around are often recommended. Baseball caps shield the forehead and nose but leave the ears, cheeks and neck exposed, so they work better paired with sunscreen or a neck flap. Straw hats with loose weaves let light through, and a dense weave is better.
Sunglasses
UV can damage the eyes and the thin skin around them, including the eyelids, an area that is easy to forget and is also covered in the article on eyelid skin. Look for sunglasses labeled as blocking 99% to 100% of UV or meeting a recognized standard. Lens darkness alone does not tell you whether UV is blocked. Wraparound styles also reduce light coming in from the sides.
Clothing
Clothing is often the most dependable form of protection because it covers skin without any layer to reapply. Some general points:
- Tightly woven fabrics block more UV than loose weaves. If you can see light through the fabric when you hold it up, UV can pass through too.
- Dark or bright colors often absorb more UV than pale ones, although fabric type and weave matter as much.
- Dry fabric usually protects better than wet fabric, and stretched fabric lets more through.
- Long sleeves and long pants cover more skin, and lightweight breathable fabrics make them more comfortable in heat.
Some garments carry a UPF rating, which is the clothing equivalent of SPF. A UPF of 30 or above is commonly described as good, and a UPF 50 label indicates that very little UV reaches the skin through the fabric. Washing and wear can reduce the effect, so follow care instructions. The UPF number applies to the fabric only; any skin it does not cover still needs protection.
Putting it together
A realistic everyday plan might be:
- Check the UV forecast.
- Choose shade when practical, and aim to avoid long exposure at the strongest hours.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Add clothing that covers as much as is comfortable.
- Apply sunscreen to the rest, using enough, and reapply as needed. The amount and timing are covered in the articles on sunscreen amount and sunscreen reapplication.
On hot days, covering up can feel counterintuitive, but light, loose fabrics are often cooler than bare, sunburned skin. Tips for staying comfortable are in the article on summer skin care.
Children and special cases
Babies and young children burn easily, and guidance for infants is generally to keep them out of direct sun using shade and clothing and to talk with a pediatrician before using sunscreen on very young babies. People taking medications that increase sun sensitivity should ask a pharmacist or doctor about extra precautions.
If you have a new or changing mole, a sore that does not heal, or a spot that bleeds or itches, have it checked by a qualified health professional. This article is general information, not medical advice.