A person pouring sunscreen into palm of hand in front of lake.

Sun safety: Why it matters and how to protect your skin every day

We’re well into some of summer’s hottest, sunniest months, and whether you’re hitting the beach or just taking a walk, protecting your skin should be non-negotiable. But with all the information floating around about the different types of sunscreen and different recommendations for sun safety, it’s easy to have questions about what’s best or fall into bad habits—sometimes without even realizing it.

When it comes to sun protection, it’s not just about sunscreen, it’s about protecting your skin however you can. While sunshine helps our bodies produce vitamin D and boosts our mood, this vitamin is better obtained through our diet since overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to long-term skin damage and skin cancer. That’s why practicing good sun safety habits is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your skin.

That might mean slathering on SPF 30+, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, rocking long sleeves, or simply seeking shade during peak UV hours. Whatever method you choose, the goal is the same: Minimize UV damage and protect your skin’s health, both today and for years to come.

Today, we’re sharing tips on how you can protect yourself and loved ones when spending time in the sun!

Looking for additional, quick resources? Check out our Sun Safety Guide or review our recent Q&A with MCC’s Dr. Ingrid Polcari, a dermatologist who also studies skin cancer.

Read on to learn why sun safety matters, and how you can keep your skin protected year-round.

Why sun safety is so important

1. UV rays can damage your skin, even if you don’t feel it.

The sun emits UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays that penetrate your skin:

  • UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin causing long-term damage like wrinkles and age spots. Because UVA rays have longer wavelengths, they reach deeper into the skin, all the way to the dermis. They still indirectly increase skin cancer risk, but not as intensely as UVB rays.
  • UVB rays are shorter in wavelength and cause more intense sunburns because they affect the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). Because they directly damage DNA in this way, UVB rays play a major role in causing skin cancer.

You may not see the damage right away, but UV exposure adds up over time, leading to increased risk of skin cancer and visible aging.

2. Skin cancer is the most common cancer type

Skin cancer is incredibly common—and largely preventable. Using sun protection daily significantly lowers your risk. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin tone.

3. Sun damage is cumulative and often irreversible

One bad sunburn in childhood can double your risk of melanoma later in life. And the more unprotected time you spend in the sun, the more damage builds up, even if you don’t burn.

How to protect your skin from the sun

Protecting your skin doesn’t mean avoiding the sun altogether; it means being smart about your exposure. Here are key ways to stay safe.

1. Wear sunscreen daily 

  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Choose SPF 30 or higher.
  • Apply sunscreen to uncovered skin at least 15 minutes before going outside.
  • Reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.

Tip: Don’t forget spots like your ears, neck, lips, and the tops of your feet!

Mineral sunscreens (zinc, titanium) are widely accepted as safe and sit on top of the skin, acting as a physical barrier. Very little from these sunscreens is absorbed into the body, making them especially suitable for sensitive skin and children. Mineral sunscreen users often note these formulations sometimes give a “white cast” on the skin from the active ingredients—that just means your mineral sunscreen is doing its job! There are also many tinted formulations available. 

Chemical sunscreens (like avobenzone or oxybenzone) are smooth and effective, and their ingredients have been used safely for decades with extensive real-world data showing they  have an outsized impact on preventing skin cancer. While some studies confirm that chemical filters can enter the bloodstream at low levels, there is no evidence that this causes harm in humans at normal usage.

Scientists and regulatory bodies across the world continue to recommend sunscreen—chemical or mineral—as a first-line defense against UV damage. If you’re going back and forth between which sunscreen type is the best one for you, remember that the best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear most regularly! 

 2. Cover up with protective clothing

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats.
  • Choose tightly woven fabrics or UV-protective clothing labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).
  • Don’t forget UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

3. Seek shade during peak hours

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When outdoors during these hours, take breaks in shaded areas like under trees, umbrellas, or canopies.

4. Remember: UV rays aren’t stopped by clouds or glass 

  • Up to 80 percent of UV rays can pass through clouds, so sunscreen is still necessary on overcast days.
  • UVA rays can penetrate windows, so apply sunscreen even if you're indoors near sunlight (like in your vehicle or at your desk).

5. Start sun safety young

  • Sun damage in childhood can significantly increase cancer risk later in life.
  • Teach kids sun-safe habits early: apply sunscreen, wear hats, and stay in the shade during playtime.
  • Discourage “tanning” since sun exposure is cumulative and can lead to skin cancers later in life, even for those who don’t burn.

Sun safety isn’t just for sunny summer days—it’s a year-round commitment to your skin’s health.

By combining smart sun habits like daily sunscreen use, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours, you’re not just preventing sunburn but also protecting your skin’s health, appearance, and longevity!