The Best Ways to Prevent a Sunburn That Don't Involve Staying Inside
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Getty Images"The sun is extremely strong, not just from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., believe it or not," says Julie Karen, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center. With that in mind, make sure you're seeking shade every now and then, applying enough sunscreen, and wearing sun-protective clothing.
The AAD recommends you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which means it can protect against both UVA and UVB rays. They also recommend purchasing one that is SPF 30 or higher and that is water-resistant.
"A single application of sunscreen is not nearly sufficient. Reapplication is imperative," advises Karen. The AAD advises reapplying sunscreen "approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating."
To apply correctly, make sure you put it on 15 minutes before you go outside—that will give your skin enough time to absorb the sunscreen. The AAD says most adults need one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to adequately protect your whole body. You should rub it all over your body, even those parts that you might normally miss like your ears, neck, and tops of your feet and legs.
"You can get sunburned on overcast and cloudy days. Higher UV index is more harm and danger, but several hours of unprotected sun exposure even on cloudy/not sunny days can cause significant damage," says Karen.
"Sunscreen alone does not protect against sun damage and sunburn—sun-protective clothing and seeking the shade are equally important," Karen says. While a baseball cap can help, she suggests choosing a broad-brimmed hat, one with at least a three-inch brim.
Next up: This Is the Only Way to Treat a Sunburn, According to a Dermatologist