Sun Care
A Practical Guide to UV Protection
UV rays are present not just on clear days but on cloudy ones too. Everyday exposure — a short commute, a lunchtime walk — adds up on your skin and eyes over time. Here's a rundown of the basics, how to combine clothing with sunscreen, and the spots people tend to forget.
Updated: July 22, 2026
Why the UV index matters
The UV index is a scale describing how strongly ultraviolet rays affect the body. Once it passes "moderate," it's worth starting sun protection even for a short outing, and once it hits "high" or above, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen should be standard. UV can be strong even when the temperature is low, and reflective surroundings — ski slopes in winter, or anywhere near water — can mean more exposure than it feels like.
- Check the UV index alongside the day's high temperature before heading out
- Cut back on midday outdoor plans once the index reaches "high" or above
- Plan routes that let you move through shade or indoor spaces when possible
- Step up protection near water, snow, or reflective downtown surfaces
When to be extra careful
Once the UV index is high or above, even a brief outing calls for protecting your skin and eyes. It peaks between roughly 10am and 3pm, and reflected light off the ground or nearby buildings can still reach you in the shade. Don't let an overcast sky fool you into skipping protection — clouds cut UV somewhat but never block it entirely.
- Be especially careful with outdoor activity between 10am and 3pm
- Remember that reflected light can still reach you even in the shade
- Be extra thorough near snow, beaches, or ski slopes where reflection is strong
- Don't skip sunscreen just because the sky looks cloudy
Practical tips for applying sunscreen
Sunscreen alone often isn't enough — pairing it with a hat, sunglasses, and covering clothing works better. It loses effectiveness once you sweat or get wet, so reapply on a schedule. Using too little product means you won't get anywhere near the labeled protection, so apply generously on exposed areas like your face, neck, and arms.
- Apply SPF 30 or higher generously, 15–30 minutes before heading out
- Reapply every 2–3 hours, and sooner if you sweat or get wet
- Use a hat, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your arms and neck
- Don't forget easy-to-miss spots: behind the ears, the nape of the neck, the tops of your feet
- Use lip balm and hand products with UV protection too
Pairing it with the right clothing
Even on a hot day, light but covering clothing helps block UV. Tightly woven, darker-colored fabric generally blocks more, so if short sleeves alone aren't enough, add arm sleeves or a thin shirt. When out with kids, plan for shorter stretches between shade and rest breaks than you would for yourself.
- Choose darker colors and tightly woven fabric over light colors
- Add arm sleeves or a thin shirt if short sleeves alone aren't sufficient
- Bring a hat and stroller cover along when out with kids
- Build rest, hydration, and reapplication time into your schedule before long outdoor stretches
If you notice sunburn or irritation
If your skin feels stinging or looks red, the priority is stopping further exposure and letting your skin cool down somewhere shaded. If it comes with blistering, a headache, or fever, that's a sign to see a doctor rather than trying to manage it with home care alone. Keeping up steady protection habits day to day is far less of a hassle than dealing with the aftermath of a serious burn.
- Avoid any additional sun exposure on reddened skin
- Don't use harsh scrubs or exfoliants on irritated skin
- Rest indoors if glare or pain is significant, and see a doctor if needed
- Avoid peak UV hours even if you have plans the next day