As we start to get warmer weather outside, it's a good time to think about diligent sun protection and especially sunscreen. Sunscreen is important because it helps prevent UV damage to your skin.
Why the Numbers Matter
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. That figure reflects the cumulative result of unprotected ultraviolet radiation exposure over the course of a life. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and in many cases, it can be prevented.
SPF 30 sunscreen, when applied correctly, blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers do offer a bit more protection, though no sunscreen blocks UV radiation completely. More important than the number on the bottle is how consistently and generously you apply it. Research shows that most people use only 20 to 50 percent of the recommended amount — which means even a high-SPF sunscreen may not be doing nearly as much as you'd expect.
It's also worth understanding the two types of UV rays. UVB rays cause sunburn and are the main driver of skin cancer risk. UVA rays go deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging — and they play a role in skin cancer too. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both, so that label is worth looking for when you're shopping.
Sun Protection Isn't Just for Sunny Days
UV rays don't need sunshine to reach your skin, so damage can happen even on cloudy days. According to the AAD, up to 80% of UV rays still get through cloud cover — which means that overcast morning walk or gray day at the lake still counts as sun exposure.
Car and building glass blocks most UVB rays but lets a good amount of UVA through. If you drive a lot or work near windows, that exposure adds up over time — and you won't notice it the way you'd notice a sunburn.
The AAD considers 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to be peak UV hours. During this window it's especially important to seek shade, wear a hat, and make sure your sunscreen is on. That said, UV exposure doesn't stop outside those hours — protection in the morning and late afternoon still matters.
How You Apply It Matters as Much as Which One You Pick
The AAD recommends about one ounce — a shot glass worth — to cover your whole body, and roughly a teaspoon just for your face. Most people use far less than that, which is one of the main reasons sunscreen underperforms in real life. Using enough is one of the easiest ways to get more out of the product you already have.
Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before heading outside, and reapply every two hours — or right after swimming or sweating heavily. Worth knowing: "water-resistant" just means the sunscreen holds up for 40 or 80 minutes in water, depending on the product. It doesn't mean waterproof, and it doesn't last all day.
Sunscreen stays effective for at least three years per FDA standards. If yours doesn't have an expiration date printed on it, jot the purchase date on the bottle. And if it's been sitting in your car or baking in a beach bag all summer, it's probably worth replacing — heat breaks down the formula faster than the label assumes.
Finding a Sunscreen You'll Actually Use Every Day
Honestly, the best sunscreen is the one you'll actually use every day. Both mineral options — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — and chemical formulations work well. Mineral versions sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, which makes them a great pick if you have sensitive skin. Chemical formulas tend to feel lighter and blend in more easily. If you have concerns about uneven skin tone or melasma, look for a tinted formula with iron oxides — they add an extra layer of protection against visible light.
If you find it hard to remember, try pairing sunscreen with something you already do every morning — putting on moisturizer, getting out of the shower, or applying makeup. Sunscreen formulas have gotten much better over the years, so there's really something out there for every skin type.
Kids and Higher-Risk Individuals
A quick note on kids: babies under six months should be kept out of direct sun and covered with clothing rather than sunscreen, since their skin absorbs things differently. For older kids and teenagers, making sunscreen a daily habit — not just something you grab on the way to the beach — is one of the best things a family can do. Sun exposure adds up from childhood on, and good habits started early make a real difference over a lifetime.
If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, take medications that increase sun sensitivity, or have fair skin, it's worth stepping up to SPF 50 or higher and layering in a few extras — a wide-brimmed hat, sun-protective clothing, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Sunscreen is a great foundation, but it works best as part of a broader approach.
Summer is arguably the best time of year in the Black Hills. Have fun by getting outside and exploring the area, but remember to use your sunscreen.
Reference: American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreen FAQs and Statistics. Accessed April 2026.