During the sunny summer months, many people will spend time outdoors with their with family and friends. However, it also means an increase in exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, which is why it is important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

Did you know that your skin will start to burn after an average of 30 minutes in the sun? And even if you don’t feel or see a burn, your skin is still absorbing damage from the sun’s rays.¹

Check out our helpful sunscreen guide to learn what types of sunscreens will work best for your needs. If you have specific questions, reach out to a dermatologist, and they will be able to guide you to the best type of sunscreen for your skin.

Best Times to Apply Sunscreen

It may be well known to wear sunscreen while out in the sun, but do you know the effective times when to apply sunscreen? Here are a few examples of when you should wear sunscreen.

It is recommended to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure for the best skin protection.² Additionally, most experts recommend that you reapply your sunscreen every two hours, or after you dry yourself off with a towel.³ As time passes, the effects of the sunscreen will lessen, and reapplying can help your skin stay safe all day long.

Recommended Types of Sunscreens

When you go to the store, it can be overwhelming to determine which type of sunscreen is right for you. Here are a list of features to keep an eye out for:

• SPF 30 or More. Experts recommend that you wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. SPF 30 protects your skin from 97% of the UVB rays.⁴
• Water-resistant. By using water-resistant sunscreen, you can be in the water for up to 40 minutes before having to reapply.⁵ This is also great if you plan on exercising or foresee yourself sweating in the sun, as it won’t rub off as easily.
• Broad-spectrum. It is important that the sunscreen you use is broad-spectrum so that you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays.⁶
• Physical Sunscreen. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you should wear physical sunscreen.⁷ Physical sunscreen uses mineral ingredients instead of chemical ingredients and sits on top of your skin rather than being absorbed.⁸

Benefits of Sunscreen

Did you know that, in addition to protecting your skin from burning, sunscreen has a variety of health benefits? Here are some health benefits of sunscreen:

1. Prevents Premature Aging. One health benefit of sunscreen is that it helps prevent skin aging by shielding your skin from the UV rays, which cause harm to your skin’s collagen.⁹ Collagen is part of the building blocks of your skin and aids your skin in remaining youthful.
2. Fights Against Hyperpigmentation. Another health benefit of sunscreen is that it fights against hyperpigmentation, which are dark spots on your skin.¹⁰
3. Lowers Skin Cancer Risk. Lastly, another health benefit of sunscreen is that it may help lower your chances of getting skin cancer by protecting your skin from cancer-causing UVB rays.¹¹