A dermatologist shares the 10 sunscreen rules we always forget
Though you might be embracing a slower pace during these long summer days, from lighter schedules to later bedtimes, now’s not the time to relax on your sunscreen routine. During the high UV-index days common in July and August, sunburns can happen in as few as 10 minutes, notes Ava Shamban, MD, a dermatologist and founder of AVA MD Dermatology and SKIN FIVE Medical Spas. “The more we protect, the less we need to correct later,” she urges.
Ultraviolet (UV) light plays a key role in vitamin D synthesis and beneficial cellular responses, Dr. Shamban notes, but it can be harmful, too. Our DNA also absorbs the UV photons, which can result in damage and an inflammatory response in the short term, and diminishing the renewal capabilities of our skin in the long term. To best protect yourself and prevent future sun damage, she’s offering 10 rules to live by when it comes to sun protection this summer.
10 sunscreen rules to remember
1. Consistency is key
Use SPF daily. Dr. Shamban swears by the edict of “sunscreen 365,” which equates to covering up and using sunscreen, no matter the weather. For longer outdoor activities or more intensive sun, reapply sunscreen every 60 to 90 minutes and layer a hat or sun protective clothing, she notes.
2. Sun support can be found in food, too
The antioxidants found in dark berries and colorful veggies can offer extra support to repair sun damage and protect your skin, complementing your SPF. Think of it as inside-out sun protection.
3. Don’t forget your scalp
“Scalp is skin too,” Dr. Shamban reminds. Use a powdered brush-on sunscreen to treat your part, and wear a hat when outside when you can. But also try not to overlook these other often-neglected locations: ears, eyelids, tops of feet and between toes and fingers.
4. When in doubt, toss it out
Can’t find the expiration date on that tube you found in the back of your medicine cabinet? Toss it. “Age, heat and oxidation degrade SPF efficacy,” says Dr. Shamban, who suggests picking up new bottles annually. Using a sunscreen that’s potentially (or actually) past its expiration date could mean reduced protection—or even a possible skin reaction.
5. Be smart about storage
It seems like a smart idea to keep a sunscreen stick or tube in the car for those impromptu pool and playground days, but doing so could cause the formula to get too hot. As with age, heat will damage the product and render it ineffective, she notes.
6. Watch the windows
Glass windows in your home, office or car can block UVB rays, but may not sufficiently protect you against harmful UVA rays. If you’re frequently exposed to the summer sun through a window, Dr. Shamban recommends applying sunscreen every three hours—yes, even if you’re just indoors.
7. Stick with SPF 30 and above
In general, opt for a formula that’s above SPF 30—but there’s no need to go higher than SPF 50. Above that upper limit, the difference in protection is only miniscule, says Dr. Shamban.
8. Broad-spectrum is best
Always read labels carefully, she warns. Look for a broad-based sunscreen or sunblock that works against both UVA and UVB rays–it should say so right on the label.
9. Makeup with SPF isn’t enough
Most makeup with sunscreen does not offer enough true sun protection—or you may not be using enough of it to make a difference. “Tinted sunscreen is the better option,” says Dr. Shamban. Use a light lotion formula alone or under makeup as a primer.
10. Not all sunscreens are waterproof
Try to avoid making the mistake of thinking you’re wearing a waterproof formula in the pool—only to find out the hard way. You might want to switch between a daily non-waterproof version and a waterproof one for days when you’re more active. And if you’re doing a sport or water activity, take the time to towel off and reapply after. “More is always better, but you can be less generous if wearing a waterproof formula,” she notes.
Add our favorite sunscreens to your lineup
Supergoop
• $38
Unseen Sunscreen
If you’ve spent even 30 seconds searching for face sunscreen, you’ve most definitely stumbled upon Supergoop. Their uber-popular formulas are a favorite among skincare addicts and novices alike with an ever-expanding lineup of sun-protective products. I’ve tried several, but my absolute favorite is the Unseen Sunscreen. Not only is this my favorite sunscreen, it’s one of my top five beauty products of all time. Like desert island-levels of must-have.
The silky gel-like formula is unlike anything I’ve ever encountered, leaving a velvety finish that is somehow not at all drying. (Sorcery!) It leaves my skin perfectly primed for make-up and doesn’t come back to haunt me with grease or slippage when the temps rise throughout the day. It also blends seamlessly into all skin tones which (though all sunscreens should) is not often the case. I give it an 11 out of 10 and live in fear of it being discontinued. (Supergoop powers that be, DO YOU HEAR ME?)
Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor
Cosrx
• $16.50
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
This sunscreen is a must-have! Despite my dry and sensitive skin (and I mean sensitive), it gave me a glowy look and kept me feeling hydrated. It doesn’t feel sticky or uncomfortable and glides on super easily. You can go on hikes, horseback riding (what I did!), and it WILL make sure you don’t get a tan.
Erin Chen, Social Media Audience Strategist
BioClarity
• $30
SunShady
This natural mineral sunscreen is practically skincare. It goes on super smooth, coming out of the bottle with a greenish-blue tint—it’s very liquid-like so it’s easy to spread around easily (a little goes a long way!). It uses 100% mineral zinc oxide to protect skin from everything from UV rays to blue light and environmental stressors.
We love that it’s plant-based (it has jojoba in it!) and that it absorbs quickly so you don’t have any leftover residue. This one for the body is SPF 30, but they also have a face-specific formula that is designed for blemish-prone skin.
Cocokind
• $25
Daily SPF
If you’re looking for a zinc oxide-based sunscreen, this is the sunscreen for you! No white cast, no fragrance and no pilling which is pretty impressive for a zinc formula. This is great for sensitive skin, especially if you get breakouts easily since it’s nice and lightweight. It feels more like a moisturizer than anything, honestly, and that’s always what I’m looking for!
Erin Chen, Social Media Audience Strategist
Fenty Skin
• $39
Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
If you’ve got any melanin at all, it can seem all but impossible to find a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a ghostly cast. Mineral sunscreens are totally not your friend, leaving behind that weird bluish tint that takes legit scrubbing to remove. As a white lady with two biracial kids, I’m kind of ashamed to say I never gave this a thought until slathering them with otherwise high-quality formulas that clearly were not developed with dark skin in mind.
Leave it to Rhianna to come to the rescue. Launched in 2020, her Fenty Skin line is built on the same ethos as Fenty Beauty: simple product for all skin types, all skin tones and all genders. And while I love them all, the Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a real stand-out. The pearly pink formula pulls double duty as a moisturizer and sunscreen and sinks into my pale skin and my kids’ dark skin equally well. It has a subtle citrusy scent that none of us mind but is worth mentioning since not everyone loves scent in their face products. Also, it’s not water-resistant but perfect for everyday use otherwise.
Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor
Supergoop
• $20
(Re)setting Refreshing Mist
Listen. I’m a shameless Supergoop stan and I won’t apologize for it. Their standout products and constant innovation within the space means there’s always something new that I’m excited to try. Most recently, it has been their (Re)setting Refreshing Mist. As religious as I am about sunscreen application in the morning, I’m not that great about reapplying during the day. I don’t wear a ton of makeup, but I also don’t love re-slathering myself with spreadable formulas without washing my face and starting fresh–a routine I don’t always have time for. Enter spray sunscreen! This one is light, fast-drying and doesn’t leave my skin looking greasy or shiny. I also love that it comes in two sizes so you don’t have to spend a ton to figure out if it’s for you.
Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor
Colorscience
• $69
Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Another stellar formula for mid-day reapplication, I was introduced to the powdered sunscreen from Colorscience by my facialist. It’s mineral-powered and comes in four different shades which all work brilliantly even over make-up. But my favorite thing is just how easy it is to have with me all the time. Not only is it super compact, but I also don’t worry about it getting spoiled as it sits in my hot car or bakes in my bag in the sun.
Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor
