With summer reaching its peak, it’s tempting to soak up all the sun you can before a chill sneaks back into the air. But no matter how tempting it is to embrace those warm rays, it’s more important to protect your skin from UVA/UVB damage, including following the proper SPF reapplication rules.

This guide to keeping your summer sun safe provides dermatologist-approved tips and tricks for using sunscreen effectively. However, if you have any additional questions or need assistance choosing the right sunscreen for your family, stop by Advanced Skin Therapeutics to see our selection of clinically tested products we trust. 

How SPF Works

Sun protection factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two main types of sunscreens:

Physical sunscreens are often called mineral sunscreens because they contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide particles on the surface of the skin. These minerals form a physical barrier, reflecting UV radiation away from the skin and back into the environment.  

Chemical sunscreens have active ingredients like octinoxate, oxybenzone, cinoxate, avobenzone, etc, that absorb UV energy and convert it into heat energy. Your skin then releases the heat energy.

Why Reapply?

No SPF can last all day, regardless of the type that you use. Here’s how it works:

In chemical sunscreens, the molecular bonds holding the active ingredient together degrade due to chemical changes caused by heat and light. This effect is cumulative, eventually rendering the sunscreen ineffective at absorbing and converting additional UV radiation. 

Mineral sunscreens don’t break down under sunlight, but they aren’t immune to degradation from natural skin movements, sweating, swimming, rubbing, etc. Even if you’re not swimming or sweating heavily, just touching your face or wearing clothing can rub away the protective layer.

The moral of the story is that the reapplication of SPF is absolutely necessary for everyone, regardless of the type or brand of sunscreen you’re using. 

Choosing the Right SPF Products

For Everyday Protection 

For Sensitive Skin

For Active Lifestyles

  • EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 is for swimmers, skiers, runners, golfers, and other athletes, with a water-resistant formula for up to 80 minutes that won’t rinse off or drip when you sweat. It contains 9.0% transparent zinc oxide and provides antioxidant protection to combat ultraviolet and infrared radiation damage. 

For Kids

  • Kinesys SPF 30 Kids is a non-greasy, fragrance-free, kid-friendly pump spray with a hypoallergenic formula free of the Top 9 Allergens. The active ingredients include 2.50% avobenzone, 7.50% oxtinoxate, 5.00% octisalate, and 7.50% octocrylene.

Rules for SPF Reapplication

  • Use a minimum of SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UVB radiation. 
  • Regardless of SPF strength, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours or as often as the product recommends.
  • Reapply immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying, even using water-resistant sunscreen.
  • Don’t skimp on the sunscreen! The American Academy of Dermatology states, “Most adults need about 1 ounce– or enough to fill a shot glass– to fully cover their body.”
  • Don’t forget areas like ears, neck, feet, and the back of your hands.
  • Choose foundations with SPF or pick up a sunscreen mist to stay protected without ruining your makeup.
  • Check the expiration date on your sunscreen bottle before you apply it. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration requires sunscreen to maintain its full effectiveness for three years, but you should still check it regularly just to be sure. 
  • Always use broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays, as it’s the only way to ensure complete protection. UVA rays penetrate the dermis, or the second layer of skin, and are the radiation responsible for photoaging and wrinkling. UVB rays affect the epidermis, or outermost layer of skin, and are what cause sunburns. They’re a major factor in the development of skin cancer, though UVA rays can also contribute. 

Special Considerations for Kids

  • Add sunscreen to their morning routine, just like brushing their teeth and eating breakfast, to make applying SPF a daily habit. 
  • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. It’s best to do it before dressing to ensure full coverage and give it enough time to absorb into the skin. 
  • Kids are often in and out of water and sweat more, so reapply every 80 minutes or immediately after they get wet.
  • Remember that kids’ skin is more sensitive than adults, so the best option is a fragrance-free, mineral formula, as they are less prone to irritation. 
  • Combine lotions, sprays, and sticks as necessary for reapplication throughout the day.

Taking Additional Sun-Safety Measures

Practicing good sunblock habits, including regular reapplication, should only be one step of your daily SPF routine. Keep these tips in mind to give your skin the best chance of staying safe from the sun. 

Pair SPF With Complementary Protection

Even if you have a full head of hair, parts of your scalp are still exposed to the sun, which can lead to skin cancer. In addition to your sunblock, wear clothing that guarantees an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least 50, as they block at least 98% of UV radiation. Wallaroo Hats are an excellent example and should be paired with sunglasses with 100% UV blockage. 

Time Your Outings to Minimize Exposure

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak intensity. 

Keep an Eye on the UV Index

The National Weather Service has created a UV Index, ranging from 1 to 11+, as a means of forecasting the intensity of ultraviolet radiation each day.

They fall into the following categories:

The Environmental Protection Agency has a UV Index Mobile App for iPhone and Android that you can reference to ensure you’re armed with the SPF protection you need to prevent exposure.