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Everything You Need to Know About Sunscreen

May 2025
Chava Pearl Lansky | Illustration by Sarah Mafféïs

It’s a beautiful summer day, and you’re eager to get out of the house and go meet friends. But first, be sure to apply sunscreen. You may think you need to protect your skin only if you’re going to be at the beach or pool for several hours. But experts say that you should wear sunscreen every day—regardless of the weather or your skin tone. Taking care of your skin now can go a long way in reducing your risks of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer down the road. Read on for the facts about sunscreen.

1.8 Million

Number of people in the U.S. diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Wearing sunscreen daily is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer.

Application Advice

You should apply sunscreen to your exposed skin whenever you go outside. Reapply every 1-2 hours that you’re outside. Reapply more often if you’re sweating a lot or have been in the water.

Cream or Lotion: Use 2 tablespoons, or the amount that would fit into the cupped palm of your hand, for your body. For your face, neck, and ears, use a quarter-sized amount.

Spray: Position the nozzle close to your skin and spray, then rub it in. Never spray sunscreen directly onto your face. Only use it outdoors and in non-windy areas.

Stick: Rub the stick back and forth several times over every exposed part of your body. Use your hand to rub it in thoroughly. 

Beat the Burn

There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral, also known as physical or zinc sunscreen, and chemical. Both will protect your skin, so choose whichever kind you’re more likely to use! 

Mineral (aka physical or zinc)

  • Sits on top of the skin, acting as a physical barrier to the sun’s rays.
  • Starts working right away.
  • Can leave a whitish sheen.

Chemical

  • Absorbs the sun’s rays and converts them into heat, which is then released. 
  • Works after 15-30 minutes.
  • Washes off easily.

Your Guide to SPF

SPF stands for sun protection factor. It refers to how much protection the sunscreen gives compared with not wearing sunscreen. Doctors recommend using SPF of at least 30. Higher SPFs only provide slightly more protection.

Sunburn 101

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause sunburn. A chemical called melanin helps protect your skin from the sun. You get a sunburn when the amount of UV exposure is greater than the protection of the skin’s melanin. The longer you stay in the sun, the greater the risk of damage to your skin.

Quiz

1

True or False? If you have dark skin or tan easily, you should still wear sunscreen.

True! Dark skin has more protective melanin. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t be burned by the sun. 
2

True or False? Wearing sunscreen prevents your body from getting enough vitamin D.

False! All sunscreens allow enough UV rays into your skin for your body to produce vitamin D.
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