5 Sunscreen Tips You Need To Know

Posted by Azadeh Shirazi MD on

Summer is upon us and I am already seeing the sunburn videos on TikTok. If there is one thing I wish people took more seriously, it’s the importance of sunscreen. I’ve seen firsthand what a difference it makes when people wear it properly and consistently. It reduces long term sun damage, premature skin aging, and it saves lives. So, let’s talk about these top 5 sunscreen rules I share with my patients. These simple, science-backed habits will make a huge difference.

1. Use Enough

If you’re lightly dotting sunscreen on your cheeks and hoping for the best, your chances of getting burned are pretty high. To make sure you’re getting the full SPF protection promised on the label, the general rule of thumb is to use two finger lengths of sunscreen for your face and neck, or about a nickel-sized amount. For the body, a shot glass full is recommended.  If you tend to use little amounts you’re better off with a higher SPF number.

2. Reapply Every 2 Hours

Sunscreen doesn't last all day. It will break down with sun exposure, sweat, and water, and yes even the water-resistant formulas will wear off. To stay protected, reapply every two hours, and always after swimming if you’re spending a day outdoors, on the beach or by the pool. Always remember to check in on your skin and reapply!

If you wear makeup, you don’t have to wash your face and start over. There are some great SPF setting sprays and powders now that make reapplying super easy on the go. I keep UV Clear SPF 40 Powder Brush in my bag and always recommend it to patients who are busy or consistently outdoors. It’s super easy to reapply and also works well to help soak up oil & moisture. 

3. Apply 15–30 Minutes Before Going Outside

This seems to surprise people. Sunscreen doesn’t work instantly, it needs time to absorb and activate, especially if you're using a chemical based formula. So if you’re slathering it on as you walk out the door… you’re spending those first 15–30 minutes basically unprotected.

Try applying it as the last step of your skincare routine, then getting dressed or making your coffee. Little changes like this help build it into your day.

4. Don’t Forget The Sneaky Spots

As a Dermatologist, I see a lot of skin cancer on the lips, ears, eyelids, back of the neck, and the scalp. These sneaky spots are the ones we often overlook or forget to apply sunscreen to but consider this your reminder to make sure you get those areas. 

Let’s talk about lips for a moment. I see so many women get sun damage and accelerated collagen loss on their lips, especially in the summer. When you’re wearing shiny lip balms or glosses outdoors, you’re actually magnifying the sun’s damaging UV rays, it’s like laying out with baby oil essentially holding a magnifying lens to your skin.

Consider switching to a lip gloss or balm with SPF. Two of my favorites are

Pout Plump SPF 30 – Hydrating, plumping, and protective

SUPERGOOP! | Play Lip Balm SPF 30 A simple, go-to balm that heals and shields

For the scalp, use an SPF powder like UV Clear SPF 40 Powder Brush in your part or wear a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection.  It also works as a dry shampoo soaking up oil and moisture!

5. Use SPF Even On Cloudy Days

Just because the UV rays aren’t visible it doesn’t mean they’re not damaging your skin. Up to 80% of UV rays still reach us on overcast days and UVA rays, the rays that penetrate deeper contributing to premature aging, can pass through windows and present throughout the day even when it's cloudy. That means you’re still exposed. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, rain or shine, is non-negotiable if you’re serious about slowing skin aging and improving your skin health. There are many comprehensive formulas today that function as moisturizers or beauty products like foundations, color correctors, and concealers to make daily application easier for a  more efficient routine.  I prefer mineral based formulas with zinc or titanium like Hydratint BB SPF44, which is tinted giving coverage, provides broad-spectrum SPF protection while also acting as a moisturizer to hydrate the skin.

Still have questions? Leave me a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram (@skinbydrazi). I love to hear from you!

I also have an in-depth YouTube video on sunscreen that may answer some of your questions, check it out below!

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MEET THE DOCTOR BEHIND IT ALL

Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD is a Board-Certified Dermatologist.

Specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Shirazi received her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University Of Kentucky College of Medicine. After doing a Research Fellowship at Harvard Medical School at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, she completed her residency training in Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in addition to completing her training in dermatology and cosmetic surgery at the University of California San Diego.

She has received multiple research scholarships from iconic institutions including Harvard University and the University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and has several peer-reviewed publications to her name.