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It’s sunscreen season! The warmer months are here, and as I start spending more time outdoors, I find this time of year is a good reminder that protecting my skin from the sun shouldn’t be just a summertime activity. Now that I’ve entered my 40s, I’ve started paying attention to what I should be doing more and less of when it comes to skincare.
And the number one, most recommended “must” is sunscreen. It’s not just a necessity for the beach or the pool. In reality, dermatologists say everyday sun exposure adds up over time and can significantly impact skin health and appearance as we age. “The effects of ultraviolet radiation are cumulative, meaning much of the sun damage we see later in life is the result of exposure that occurred gradually over decades,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shannon Humphrey.
I have always spent a lot of time outside, and still do. While my younger self wasn’t always the best at religiously applying sunscreen, it’s not too late. As you age, protecting your skin isn’t just about preventing sunburn; it’s about reducing cumulative sun damage that can contribute to wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer.
And the experts we spoke with agree that sunscreen doesn’t have to be complicated. Consistent sunscreen use is one of the best things you can do for your skin, but you want to make sure you’re doing it right.
Sunscreen mistakes to avoid
Higher SPF doesn’t necessarily mean better. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that sunscreen needs to have the highest SPF number available in order to be effective,” says Humphrey. “In reality, the best sunscreen is one you will use consistently.” You’ll want to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UBV rays, and make sure it is a texture and consistency that you’ll actually enjoy wearing every day.
One of the most common sunscreen mistakes is not using enough. “The SPF listed on the bottle is based on a specific amount being applied, and most people use only a fraction of that amount,” Humphrey explains. To get the protection promised on the label, she recommends using approximately ¼ teaspoon for the face alone and about one ounce for your body.
An obvious but important mistake is forgetting to reapply. “One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that applying sunscreen once in the morning provides all-day protection,” says Claire O’Bryan, NP-C, co-founder of Skin Cliquie. “Even the best sunscreen loses effectiveness over time, especially with sweat, water exposure, and normal daily activities.” Most experts recommend reapplying every two hours when outdoors and more frequently after swimming or sweating. Plus, you’ll want to remember the high-risk areas that are often forgotten — ears, neck, chest, scalp and backs of the hands.
Lastly, a big mistake O’Bryan shared is using expired sunscreen. The bottle that’s been sitting in your beach bag from last summer may not offer the protection you expect. It can lose its effectiveness over time, so checking the expiration dates is key.
So sunscreen can be simple: choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, apply enough, reapply when needed, and make it a part of your daily routine. Shop some of our expert-picked sunscreens below.
