Protect, Nourish, Cleanse, Repeat

Studies show that most people only apply 20% to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. How much should you use?

• According to the AAD, most adults need at least one ounce of sunscreen — roughly the amount to fill a shot glass — to fully cover skin not covered by clothing. Depending on your body size, you may need more.
• When applying sunscreen to your face, use at least one teaspoon.
• Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.

Consider using a higher SPF to ensure adequate protection and to compensate for underapplication.

Avoid buying sunscreens that you find too heavy, greasy, or irritating because you won’t want to wear them. “The best type of sunscreen is the one you will use again and again,” write dermatologists. Sunscreen options include lotions, creams, gels, ointments, wax sticks, and sprays. (Though convenient to use, sprays don’t cover skin as effectively as other types of sunscreens, some studies find.) Here are more recommendations from the AAD:

• Creams are best for dry skin and for applying on the face.
• Gels are good for oily complexions and hairy areas, such as the scalp or male chest.
• Sticks are good to use around the eyes.
• Water-resistant sunscreens are recommended, especially if you plan on swimming or exercising outdoors.

Don’t let sunscreen costs deter you. In a 2026 study published in JAMA Dermatology, researchers reported a wide range of prices for sunscreens with similar ingredients — some cost 17 times more per application than others. “As long as the sunscreen you purchase has the right active ingredients and protection factors, lower-cost varieties are fine,” write researchers.

Skin around your eyes is delicate and can be easily damaged by UV rays. So can the tops of your ears, feet, hands, and head. Apply sunscreen to all of those vulnerable areas, and use lip balm with SPF to protect your lips. Carry it with you and apply it often.

Blocked sweat glands can cause heat rash and small, itchy bumps, so it’s important to remove sweat from your skin as needed — as long as you do it gently. Blot sweaty skin with a clean towel or cloth instead of wiping it off, which can irritate skin and lead to breakouts. If you exercise outdoors, do it during the coolest parts of the day, or move your outdoor workouts indoors, where you can be in air conditioning.

Cleanse at least once a day to prevent clogged pores.

Use mild noncomedogenic cleaners on your face, neck, back, and chest. The label may also say “oil free” or “won’t clog pores.” Avoid soaps and body washes labeled antibacterial or deodorant, which can dry your skin even more. Apply fragrance-free moisturizer to your skin after cleansing it to maintain hydration.

Drinking water (aim for eight glasses a day) is good for your health. Likewise, your skin needs a topical moisturizer to stay hydrated, especially after being in the sun, pool, shower, or air conditioning, which can make dryness worse. “When outdoor air is hot and humid, you can still have dry, irritated skin,” note dermatologists.

Look for light, fragrance-free moisturizing formulas that won’t clog your pores while still providing essential hydration. Apply them within five minutes of taking a shower or bath, so the moisturizer traps the water in your skin. Carry moisturizer with you during the day, so you can apply it after washing your hands or when your skin feels dry.

After spending time outdoors, treat your skin to some soothing aloe vera, or take a warm (not hot) bath with colloidal oatmeal or chamomile tea. How to brew a bath? Steep six to eight bags of chamomile tea in boiling water for 20 minutes, then add it to a lukewarm bath and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

Other recommended skin soothers include using calamine lotion or placing a cool, damp, washcloth over tender, sunburned areas. Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen if sunburn discomfort persists, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

There is no such thing as a healthy tan. All tanning is a sign of DNA damage to the skin, which, over time, can lead to skin cancer, warn dermatologists.

While sunbathing is bad for you, tanning beds are worse. Indoor tanning devices can emit UV radiation in amounts 10 to 15 times higher than the sun at its peak intensity, according to dermatologists. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies indoor tanning devices as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same classification as tobacco and asbestos.

Liquid bronzers and tinted moisturizers or creams can give your face a sun-kissed look without exposing it to damaging rays. To tint your arms and legs, spray tans are considered safe by dermatologists. But don’t use these products in lieu of sunscreen: “Moisturizers and cosmetics with SPF are convenient, but sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours when you’re outdoors,” advise dermatologists.

Tinted sunscreens have additional benefits for people with darker skin tones: “Tinted sunscreen that matches with your skin tone can help you avoid the white residue that some sunscreens leave on your skin,” write dermatologists.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and prevent discoloration, studies show. Consider applying it, in addition to sunscreen, to help shield your skin from UV rays, retain firmness, and keep dark spots from forming on your skin.

Sunscreen with insect repellant isn’t a product that the AAD recommends. “Purchase and apply each product separately,” advise dermatologists. Sunscreens need to be applied generously and often, while insect repellent should be used sparingly and much less frequently.

If you do develop a sunburn, rash, or breakout of some kind, know that it usually goes away in a few days. Staying indoors and out of the sun and heat near fans and air conditioners can help the healing process. If skin problems persist or worsen, call your dermatologist.