How to Keep Your Skin Happy in the Sun

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Let’s talk about the sun. It’s awesome for brightening your day, but it can be pretty tough on your skin. Think of your skin like your favorite cozy sweater. If you left that sweater outside in bright sun every single day, it would start to fade, get thin, and wear out way too fast. Your skin is the same way! The good news is, protecting it is simple and can even feel like a treat.

First up, sunscreen is your best friend. Don’t think of it as a sticky chore. Think of it as the final, most important step in your morning routine, right after moisturizer. You want to use a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” on the bottle, which means it blocks both types of sun rays that can cause trouble. Aim for SPF 30 or higher. The trick is to use a lot—a full shot glass amount for your whole body—and don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like your ears, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet. And here’s the big secret: you need to put it on again every two hours if you’re outside, and right after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen wears off, just like perfume does.

Sunscreen is great, but it’s not a force field. It works best when you team it up with other sun-smart habits. Clothing is actually one of the coolest shields you can use. A long-sleeved, lightweight shirt and a wide-brimmed hat aren’t just stylish; they’re super-hero gear for your skin. You can even find clothes with a special UPF rating that’s like built-in sun protection. And don’t forget your eyes! A good pair of sunglasses protects the delicate skin around them and your eyes, too.

Timing is everything. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you can, plan your long walks, gardening, or reading in the park for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. When you are out in the middle of the day, seek out the shade under a tree, a porch, or a cute patio umbrella. It’s a perfect excuse to relax and cool down.

Finally, make it enjoyable. Find a sunscreen that feels good on your skin—maybe a light lotion for your face and a spray for your body. Keep a fun hat and a breezy cover-up by the door. Protecting your skin isn’t about being scared of the sun; it’s about being smart so you can enjoy every sunny day for years to come. It’s the easiest way to show your skin a little love, keeping it looking and feeling its very best.


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Frequently asked questions

Get the answers from the best beauty experts in the business.

Think of exfoliating as giving your skin a gentle sweep. It’s the process of removing the layer of dead, dull skin cells that naturally sit on the surface. Over time, these cells can make your complexion look tired and can even clog your pores. By gently buffing them away, you reveal the fresher, brighter skin underneath. It’s like clearing away the old to make room for the new, giving you an instant glow and helping your other skincare products work better.

If you are sitting away from direct windows, you’re likely okay with your morning application. But any direct sun through a window, or if you step outside for lunch or errands, calls for a redo. A great trick is to use a moisturizer or foundation with SPF for your morning routine and keep a sheer SPF powder or setting spray in your bag. You can quickly dust or spray it on over makeup in the afternoon for an easy, no-mess reapplication.

Double cleansing is simply washing your face twice in a row at night. The first step uses a balm, oil, or micellar water to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and pollution. The second step uses your regular gentle water-based cleanser to clean your actual skin. It’s like taking off your clothes (the makeup) before hopping in the shower (the second cleanse). It ensures you get truly clean without having to scrub.

Keep it simple! First, apply a generous amount of sunscreen before you go outside. Then, pack a travel-sized bottle or stick sunscreen in your bag. When you sweat, gently pat your face dry with a towel (don’t rub hard). Then, apply your fresh layer of sunscreen right over your skin. Setting a timer on your phone for every two hours is a great reminder. Making it a habit is the easiest way to protect your skin all day long.

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