Beyond Summer: The Ultimate Sunscreen Guide (2025)
This post was originally published in July 2017. It has been updated for April 2025.
My favorite time of the year is anytime the sun is out and the temperatures are hot. I imagine I'm not the only one who feels this way; we all love summer! However, not everyone loves putting on sunscreen. Some enjoy being a golden bronze and will spend countless hours in the sun achieving the perfect glow. Others don't dare step foot outside without layers and proper covering. Both types of people might think skipping sunscreen is okay—and they couldn't be more wrong.
Sunscreen should be your unisex beauty BFF (yes, even the men reading this need to apply daily). With increasing consumer concerns about toxic chemicals and a preference for organic products, there are valid questions about ingredient safety. This updated guide will help you navigate the sunscreen aisle and choose the right product for your needs based on the latest research and FDA guidelines.
Why do we even need sunscreen?
The CDC still lists skin cancer as the most common form of cancer in the United States despite being one of the easiest cancers to prevent. Using sunscreen daily (and properly) on all exposed areas of our skin helps reduce the risk of developing melanoma.
Daily use is crucial because even on a cloudy day, about 70% of the sun's ultraviolet rays can reach us. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays that can damage our skin with too much exposure: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are long waves that penetrate deeper into our skin layers, causing visible wrinkles, sun spots, and other signs of aging. UVB rays are slightly shorter and primarily affect the outermost skin layers, resulting in sunburn, tanning, and even eye damage (hello, cataracts). A third UV ray, UVC, is primarily filtered out by our ozone layer and doesn't reach our skin.
And yes, everyone really does need sunscreen—even people with more melanin and babies age 6 months and older.
What is the best type of sunscreen to use?
There are still two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical (mineral). According to the FDA's latest regulations, only two mineral sunscreen ingredients—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—are currently designated as "generally recognized as safe and effective" (GRASE). The FDA has concerns about other chemical ingredients and has requested additional safety data on several chemical UV filters commonly used in sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens work by causing a chemical reaction on the skin and usually absorb the sun's rays, while physical sunscreens scatter or reflect them. If you have sensitive skin, a physical sunscreen might be best as chemical formulas can be more irritating, especially with higher SPF. A patch test remains the best way to determine which formula works for your skin.
How can you tell the difference between the two? By reading the labels:
Physical (mineral) formulas contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (and for those of us with more melanin, these are the sunscreens that leave you looking ashy)
Chemical formulas list carbon-based ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone (ashy-free formulas)
Despite concerns about some chemical ingredients, Consumer Reports testing has consistently found that chemical sunscreens tend to provide better protection than mineral-only options. Mineral sunscreens typically perform less effectively in their tests, often landing in the middle or lower part of their ratings.
You can find effective sunscreens at various price points. According to recent Consumer Reports tests, top performers include Coppertone Water Babies Lotion SPF 50 (which tested higher than its labeled SPF) and Eucerin Advanced Hydration Spray SPF 50. Budget-friendly recommendations include Equate (Walmart) Ultra Lotion SPF 50 and Trader Joe's Spray SPF 50+.
How much sunscreen should I actually put on?
The American Academy of Dermatology still recommends using a liberal amount of sunscreen for full-body coverage—approximately one shot glass full (1 oz) plus more for the face. An average-sized adult or child needs at least one ounce of sunscreen (about the amount it takes to fill a shot glass) to evenly cover the body from head to toe.
For your face, neck, and ears, you need to apply at least 1/2 a teaspoon of sunscreen to those areas. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using about a nickel-sized amount just for the face. Many dermatologists suggest using a slightly heavier application than you might initially think necessary, as most people tend to under-apply sunscreen. This means some of us need to apply additional sunscreen beyond the SPF 15 found in most cosmetic formulations. Don't worry—you can tone and moisturize as usual and use sunscreen as your base primer before applying makeup.
Areas that are often missed include:
Hairline and part lines
Tops and backs of ears
Back of the neck
Area around the eyes (using appropriate eye-safe formulations)
Along the jawline
Remember that proper application is as important as the amount. Ensure even coverage by applying in sections and gently rubbing the sunscreen in until it's fully absorbed. For areas like the ears and neck, which are particularly vulnerable to sun damage but often overlooked, take extra care to ensure complete coverage.
Reapplication is crucial, especially during extended outdoor activities. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours, and more often if you're swimming or sweating.
What is the right SPF?
For everyday use, you should use a minimum of SPF 30, which is now the baseline recommended by most dermatologists. For extended outdoor activities, SPF 50+ is recommended. The FDA has proposed raising the maximum SPF value on sunscreen labels from SPF 50+ to SPF 60+, as continued research shows benefits of higher protection levels.
Be skeptical of products claiming extremely high SPF values beyond 60+, as the increased protection becomes minimal and may create a false sense of security.
The FDA now proposes that all sunscreens with SPF values of 15 and above must satisfy broad-spectrum requirements, providing protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for "Broad Spectrum" on the label, as these are the only sunscreens that protect against both types of harmful rays.
What about sunscreen application types?
The FDA now recognizes several sunscreen formats as safe and effective, including sprays, oils, lotions, creams, gels, butters, pastes, ointments, and sticks. Powders are being considered but require additional data. Products like wipes, towelettes, body washes, and shampoos are not currently recognized as effective delivery methods.
When using spray sunscreens, proper application is crucial. Hold the nozzle close to your skin and spray until your skin glistens, then rub it in thoroughly. Never spray directly onto your face—instead, spray into your hands first and then apply to your face. Due to inhalation concerns, experts recommend parents choose lotion sunscreens for children and only use sprays as a last resort.
Environmental and safety considerations
New "Green Choice" designations are now appearing on some sunscreens, indicating products with lower environmental impact based on active ingredients, total UV protection, recyclability of packaging, and other factors.
Keep spray sunscreens away from open flames, as there have been reports of people suffering significant burns requiring medical treatment when using spray sunscreens near fire.
Conclusion
Sunscreen technology and regulations continue to evolve, but the fundamentals remain the same—daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential for everyone, regardless of skin tone or the weather outside. Your future skin will thank you for the protection!
Remember these key points:
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure
Use enough product (one ounce for full-body coverage)
Choose broad-spectrum protection
Reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating
Consider mineral options (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) if you have sensitive skin
For children, opt for lotion formulations over sprays
With these updated guidelines, you can make informed choices about sun protection and keep your skin healthy for years to come.
