AARP Smart Guide to Sun Protection

10. Choose between mineral or chemical sunscreen

There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral-based and chemical-based. Both shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. Mineral sunscreens contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and they tend to be thicker than chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are also less irritating to sensitive skin.

Chemical and mineral sunscreens both work by absorbing UV rays. There are several benefits to chemical sunscreens: They are transparent on the skin, work for a range of skin tones, are more lightweight than mineral sunscreens and tend to be more breathable. The downside to chemical sunscreens is that they can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in those with sensitive skin. In those cases, a mineral sunscreen may be best.

11. Look at the ingredients

Gunnell points out that the FDA has approved only three ingredients that are used regularly in UVA spectrum coverage: avobenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. “People should make sure their sunscreen contains at least one of these ingredients and is labeled ‘broad-spectrum’ to make sure they have some UVA coverage,” she says.

12. Consider using reef-safe products

You’ve probably seen “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” labels on sunscreens. Although the phrases aren’t required by law, they usually mean that the sunscreen contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate, both of which protect against the harmful effects of UV rays but also have been found to damage coral reefs, one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. When you swim or shower, these chemicals can enter our waterways. Some beaches — such as those in Hawai’i, Palau and the U.S. Virgin Islands — have even moved to ban oxybenzone-containing sunscreens.

13. Plan for sun exposure

Chemical sunscreens are lighter than mineral ones, but both types take time to apply, dry and create an even, protective layer on your skin. Some mineral sunscreens leave a white cast or residue, but more recent iterations are easier to blend in. No matter which kind you choose, it’s always best to apply sunscreen to dry skin before you reach your destination. Use a mirror or get a friend to help with hard-to-reach spots.

“While technically true that all sunscreens work immediately, everyone should allow time for them to make an even, dry layer before doing activities,” Gunnell says.

14. Reapply sunscreen after two hours

SPF measures protection for only about two hours when outdoors. That means reapplication is just as necessary as — and perhaps more crucial than — your initial application. And this is the case whether you’re using a chemical or mineral sunscreen. According to Gunnell, most sunscreen in the U.S. is water-resistant for a maximum of 80 minutes, and some for just 40 minutes. “It is recommended that people reapply, when sweating or swimming, every one hour,” she says. “If you are not sweating or swimming, then the two-hour rule is just fine.”

15. Rely on water-resistant formulas

If you’ll be spending time in or around water (or expect to sweat), always use a water-resistant sunscreen. This is not to be confused with waterproof. You should still reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating, but the benefit of water-resistant sunscreen is that it’s designed to keep your skin protected even while wet. “The active ingredients will be the same as non-water-resistant versions, but the base will be different. It will be much thicker and oil-dense, which takes longer to dissolve in water,” says Karen Fernandez, a lead aesthetician at the SkinSpirit spa in California.

16. Choose based on skin type

If your skin is on the drier side, look for a creamy texture that’ll nourish as it protects. Yadav recommends hydrating ingredients (like glycerin) that help quench dryness, as well as ceramides, which prevent moisture loss, and moisturizing emollients like jojoba oil, shea butter and squalane. If you have oily skin, avoid formulas that contain heavy oils and plant butters like coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter. If you have sensitive skin, Yadav recommends formulas that contain soothing ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, green tea and niacinamide to quell any irritation or redness.

17. Choose based on your skin tone

The idea that only people with light skin tones are susceptible to UV damage is inaccurate and dangerous. The myth comes from an estimation that those with darker complexions have a natural SPF of 13.4, whereas those with lighter complexions have a natural SPF of about 3.4. This may cause people with darker skin to skip sun protection — which can lead to a higher rate of death from skin cancer for people of color, due to a delay in detection or presentation.

“While it’s true that people with light skin tones are more susceptible to skin cancer because they have less melanin in their skin, that doesn’t mean those with deeper complexions are not at risk,” Yadav says. Though it’s less common, people with darker complexions are still at risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. Several products and brands of sunscreen — such as Black Girl Sunscreen, Bolden Brightening Moisturizer and EltaMD UV Clear — are now available and protect people with darker skin without leaving the dull white coating common with mineral sunscreens.

18. Apply the correct amount

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most adults need about an ounce of sunscreen — enough to fill a shot glass — to cover their entire body. Jamal says you’ll need about a quarter-teaspoon for maximum coverage of your face and the front of your neck. It’s important to note that it’s the incidental, short, unprotected exposures to the sun that cause serious damage over time. There needn’t be a burn to create damage and for the breakdown of healthy cells to occur, Fernandez adds. What this means for you: It’s crucial to wear the right level of protection, apply and reapply the correct amount, and always look for broad-spectrum products.

19. Protect your skin year-round

Apply sunscreen every single day. There is no correlation between UV levels and temperature, so even in cooler weather, apply SPF-rated sunscreen. Just as sand and water at the beach or pool reflect UV rays, snow also increases your sun exposure.

20. Don’t forget often-missed spots

Fernandez says that ears get a ton of sun exposure. But because they contain fewer nerve endings, they won’t always “alert” you when a burn occurs. It’s essential to apply sunscreen heavily to your ears. And while you’re at it, dab some along your hairline and part, unless you’re wearing a hat. Don’t forget to apply lip balm with SPF, too. Finally, your hands receive constant sun exposure and may not feel the burn or heat as damage occurs, Fernandez notes. Always add sunscreen to the tops of your hands.

21. Try a stick sunscreen

Stick sunscreens aren’t just for kids. “There are many stick forms that offer broad-spectrum protection that are easy to apply,” says Hartman. “The trick with stick sunscreens is to do at least three to four passes per body part, and rub the sunscreen all over the skin. Don’t rely on just the passes from the stick to fully protect. Otherwise you’ll end up with a striped sunburn.” Gunnell adds that because at least four passes are needed for adequate coverage, sticks are better for touch-ups than as a base layer.

22. Consider Korean brands

Despite the complex regulatory processes to test sunscreens in the United States, formulations here are not necessarily better or more effective, notes Yadav. “Sunscreen ingredients used abroad tend to be more efficacious in blocking both UVB and UVA rays,” she says. “Korean sunscreens in particular are often considered better, not only because of their efficacy but because they tend to be far more cosmetically elegant than most U.S. formulations. The SPF ingredients used in the U.S. have formulation limitations and can make a product feel chalky, sticky, greasy, thick and generally unpleasant. While U.S. formulas have improved, Korean sunscreens are leagues ahead.”

MAKE SPF A DAILY ROUTINE

23. When to apply

SPF sunscreen should always be the very last step of a skin-care routine before makeup, Yadav says. “It acts like a shield, protecting everything underneath. Also, if you were to apply it first, the subsequent application of your other products could cause the sunscreen to move around on your skin, rendering it less effective. Generally, I recommend that people apply skin-care products from thinnest to thickest — and sunscreen is usually on the thicker end of the daily products most people use.”

24. Do the math

Layering sunscreens is not additive, and “your level of protection will be equivalent to the highest SPF of the products being applied,” says Jamal. This means that if you’re wearing a moisturizer with SPF 20, a sunscreen with SPF 30 and a foundation with SPF 20, your level of protection is 30, not 70. Jamal says layering multiple products does make it more likely that you are applying the correct amount of sunscreen, since most people tend to underapply.

25. Incorporate SPF-makeup hybrids

Bringing SPF-makeup hybrids into your beauty routine can offer additional layers of protection. It’s important to note, however, that most makeup products containing SPF won’t offer adequate protection, because the user typically won’t apply enough product.

Naana Boakye, M.D., a dermatologist at Bergen Dermatology in New Jersey, says we need 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. This means you’d have to use layer upon layer of makeup to ensure sufficient protection, which the average person wouldn’t normally wear. To ensure maximum protection, you shouldn’t rely on SPF makeup products as your sole source of protection. Rather, always apply a traditional SPF sunscreen, and think of any SPF makeup product as the cherry on top.

26. Wear sunscreen indoors

HEV (high-energy visible) light comes from computers, smartphones, tablets, lighting and other digital electronics. Blue light from a computer is HEV light, says Jeanine Downie, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey. “This is also emitted by your phone, tablet and Apple watch,” she says. While research shows that HEV light does not cause skin cancer or sunburn, it can induce uneven skin and hyperpigmentation (dark spots and melasma). “Progressive damage from HEV light can lead to dark spots and photodamage,” adds Downie, who recommends wearing sun protection even when you are indoors.

Gunnell explains that “most American sunscreens do not protect against HEV at all. Only tinted products that contain iron oxide can do this — and you have to be able to see the tint, so it looks like makeup, essentially. None of the chemical UV filters in our country have a sufficient spectrum to protect against very long UVA and visible light. Sunscreens approved internationally absolutely protect in this range, but unfortunately these are not yet FDA-approved here.”

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

27. Baseball hats versus sun hats

“A baseball hat won’t give you as much protection as a full sun hat,” says Hartman. Baseball hats will help protect against glare, but they really don’t do much else in terms of protecting your head, face and ears from the sun. Hartman recommends choosing a hat with a wide brim that goes all the way around to protect your ears, face and neck. Be sure to pair that hat with sunscreen.

28. Skip the sunscreen sprays

While sunscreen sprays seem super convenient, many dermatologists recommend avoiding them due to the risk of lung irritation. Additionally, it can be difficult to make sure you’re getting enough coverage. Plus, current FDA regulations on testing and standardization do not apply to spray sunscreens. If you do use a spray, hold your breath, never spray near your face, and always apply it outdoors. Rub it in by hand to ensure an even application — your skin should be glistening. And you’ll still need to reapply every two hours.

29. Shake the bottle well

If you’re using a mineral sunscreen, you may notice it has a tendency to separate or settle at the bottom. That’s why the directions on many of these products recommend shaking the bottle before applying. “All ingredients have different molecular weights and sizes, so you may need to give a little shake to incorporate all the ingredients and to make sure they are distributed properly,” Fernandez says. “All of the molecules work together, so full protection can only come from complete application.”

30. Be aware of expiration dates

Melissa Urban, a licensed aesthetician at the SkinForYou spa in Colorado, says sunscreen often has two date markers. One reflects how long the product is good for after it’s been opened; it looks like a container with its lid off, along with a number and an “M” next to it. For instance, if a product says “12M,” this means that once the container has been opened, the contents are good for 12 months. The second common date marker is the product’s expiration date. Most sunscreens have a printed expiration date on the bottle itself or on the crimped part of the tube.

“Once this date has passed, the product may no longer produce effects that are true to its label, which is extremely important when we’re talking about sunscreen,” Urban warns. “If you’re applying an SPF 50 and it’s past its expiration date, this product is no longer producing SPF 50 protection.”

Jamal says the FDA requires that all sunscreens retain their efficacy for three years. “If there is no expiration date, discard [it] three years after the purchase date,” she says. Regardless of the expiration date, always consider a product’s consistency, smell and color change, and discard it if something seems off, Urban advises.

31. Stay out of the heat

Fernandez says it’s not just sun exposure that can trigger melanocytes to hyperproduce and cause sun damage or discoloration. Heat and other stimuli can be factors as well. “That’s why it’s important to keep your skin cool during the day: to avoid those triggers from causing more pigmentation,” Fernandez says.

32. Use a combination for sun protection

Don’t rely on your sun umbrella to protect you from the sun. “While umbrellas may provide some level of protection, research has shown that both UVA and UVB rays penetrate through the fabric and have the potential to burn,” Hartman says. “Use the combination of the umbrella, UPF [ultraviolet protection factor] clothing, and sunscreen for the best overall protection.”

33. Research drug interactions

Many common medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight or increase your chances of heat-related illness. That’s because they contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity, according to the FDA. There are two types of photosensitivity reactions: photoallergy, an allergic reaction, and phototoxicity, an irritation of the skin. Both types occur after exposure to UV light. Drugs that may increase sun sensitivity include NSAIDs (like naproxen), anti-arrhythmics, the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, antifungals and antibiotics. Antidepressants, antihistamines and blood pressure medication also may increase heat sensitivity. Not everyone will experience sun or heat sensitivity, however; check the FDA’s list and consult your health care professional or pharmacist.

34. Avoid peak hours

The Environmental Protection Agency says the sun’s peak hours, when UV rays are the strongest, are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan your daily walks and other outdoor activities before or after those hours. To learn when UV rays will be the highest no matter what time of year it is, check a weather app or weather website for the UV index. It gauges unprotected risk from the sun on a scale of 1 to 11, with midday hours typically showing a higher potential for damage. “Always use a combination of sun-protective strategies — clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen — when the UV index is greater than 2,” Gunnell says.

35. Cloudy and rainy days can do damage, too

We usually only think about sun protection when it’s sunny outside, but you can still get a sunburn when it’s overcast and gray. In fact, clouds can sometimes increase, rather than reduce, the level of ultraviolet radiation. This phenomenon, called the “broken-cloud effect,” can result in higher UV levels than on a perfectly cloudless day. While scientists don’t know why this happens, one theory is that UV rays bounce off clouds and are redirected, creating a combination of refraction and reflection that could result in significantly greater UV strength at ground level. So even if you don’t see the sunlight hitting your skin, UV rays are still reaching it — which is why you should apply sunscreen every day.

36. Get your vitamin D levels checked

Your body makes vitamin D when sunlight (UVB rays) hits the skin. Getting as little as 10 to 15 minutes of direct sunlight a few days a week can provide us with most of the vitamin D our bodies need to maintain healthy bones, muscles and immune systems, while also protecting us from cognitive decline. If you’re not getting enough sunshine, talk to your doctor about testing your vitamin D levels to find out if you should take a supplement. Dietary guidelines call for 600 international units (IU) daily of vitamin D for people up to age 70, and 800 IU daily for those over age 70.

Gunnell explains that “the American Academy of Dermatology does not consider any level of unprotected sun exposure safe and does not recommend people get vitamin D through sun. It is well documented that since sunscreen does not 100 percent protect against UVB [the UV important for vitamin D protection], many people can still have adequate vitamin D levels while using strict sun protection.”

MORE PROTECTIVE MEASURES

37. Consider installing UVA protection on your vehicle

If you’ve ever driven for long stretches, you might have noticed that your left arm got more sun than your right, even with the windows rolled up. That’s because most glass doesn’t hinder UVA rays. However, Yadav says that some car manufacturers, including Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis, offer vehicles with solar glass windows, also known as infrared-reflective (IR) glass. “These windows help filter out infrared and UV light but allow visible light through. Genesis solar glass can block up to 98 percent of UV. These windows also have the added benefit of keeping your car more comfortable, as infrared provides a lot of heat.” Safelite, a windshield replacement company, offers solar glass on certain car models.

Additionally, you can purchase UVA-protective film to add to your car, home or office. It’s effective for about a decade and can block up to 99.9 percent of UV radiation.

38. Consider your entire sun protection strategy

Sunscreen is just one part of blocking the sun’s harmful rays. It’s also important to seek shade, cover up with clothing and wear wide-brimmed hats as needed. Driving gloves will help protect your hands from the sun’s harmful rays while you’re on the road. And you can wear a sun blanket made of UV-protective material while spending time outdoors.

39. Wear dark colors

It may seem counterintuitive, especially on hot days, but dark blue, black and dark red are the best clothing colors for sun protection. That’s because darker colors absorb the UV rays before they hit your skin. Thicker materials with a tighter weave will provide more protection than loose-weave or lightweight fabrics. You can also wear clothing with SPF protection; look for an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least 30.

40. Protect your eyes

Excessive UV exposure can lead to cataracts. The American Optometric Association recommends wraparound sunglasses that have 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Wearing a hat also protects your face, scalp and neck, the three areas that receive the most sun damage. Sunlight can also worsen age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and raise your risk for skin cancer in the eye.

41. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps

Both tanning beds and sunlamps give off UV radiation and can cause skin cancer, skin burns and premature skin aging, as well as short-term and long-term eye damage. Avoiding both will reduce your skin cancer risk. Another light you may be forgetting? The UV light you use to set your nails can cause the same kind of skin cancers that tanning beds and sunlamps do. So when using one, apply at least an SPF 30 broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen to your hands, or wear gloves with the tips cut off.

42. Stop smoking

About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86 percent of melanomas have been linked to exposure to UV radiation from sunlight, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. But not all skin cancer is caused by the sun. Current smokers and heavy smokers were associated with a higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

43. Supplements may help

Could popping a supplement help stave off nonmelanoma skin cancers? Nonmelanoma refers to types of cancer that occur in the skin that are not melanoma, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. While more research is needed, a small study published in American Health & Drug Benefits found that nicotinamide, a vitamin B3 supplement, helped lower the rate of new squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers by 23 percent for high-risk individuals. It also lowered the risk of precancerous actinic keratosis. Other supplements, including Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock), and vitamins that may help include selenium, zinc, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene, polyphenols, and vitamins C, E and A. Gunnell urges caution, however, saying, “Most of these supplements have not been shown to prevent skin cancer or be sun-protective, or there is conflicting data.”

44. Diet may help, too

Tomatoes, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy green vegetables can help protect your skin from UV damage. Try to incorporate as many of them as you can into your diet.

45. DIY skin fixes for sun damage

Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, recently gave AARP some suggestions for repairing sun-damaged skin. He says pairing vitamin C serum with sunscreen can help neutralize sun damage and boost collagen. For best results, layer the products: vitamin C serum first, then daily moisturizer, then sunscreen. Next, exfoliate weekly. Gently buff your skin with a chemical exfoliator-cleanser that contains glycolic acid. Also, consider using serums or creams containing retinol, a vitamin A derivative that can help reverse sun damage. Be forewarned — it’s a known skin irritant, so you may want to try a gentler peptide cream. Finally, don’t forget to treat the area around your eyes with products designed for that purpose.

Abby Alten Schwartz contributed to this article.