Summer at the shore has officially arrived and so has our annual reminder about sunscreen. Most of us already know we need it. The bigger question, the one that trips so many of us up, is reapplication. We slather on SPF before we leave the house, feel good about ourselves, and then spend six hours at the beach without giving it another thought. That’s where the real risk creeps in.
Here’s the thing about sunscreen: it isn’t a force field. It’s more like an umbrella that slowly springs leaks. Water, sweat, sand, and simple time all break down its protection, and by hour two, even the most expensive bottle on the shelf is losing its effectiveness. That’s why we’ve started using a phrase on my radio show, Living Well that’s easy to remember: “Redo in Two.” Every two hours, no matter how high the SPF number, it’s time to reapply. If we’ve been swimming or sweating, that clock resets even faster.
There’s a reason dermatologists keep hammering this point. Skin damage from UV exposure is cumulative, which means every unprotected hour adds up over a lifetime, not just a single afternoon. The sunburns we remember from childhood summers, the ones that peeled and stung, all count toward our long-term skin cancer risk. The good news is that consistent protection now genuinely changes that trajectory.
So what does good protection actually look like? Dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, applied generously, about a shot glass worth for the whole body. Most of us use far less than that without realizing it. We also tend to miss the same spots over and over: the tops of our ears, the back of the neck, the tops of our feet, and the part in our hair, where we can use spray-on scalp sunscreens.
With so many bottles on the shelf, it’s worth knowing the two main types of sunscreens. Mineral sunscreen, made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays. They tend to be gentler for sensitive skin and begin to work the moment they’re applied, though some leave a slight white cast and can feel a bit thicker going on. Chemical sunscreens, with ingredients like avobenzone or octocrylene, absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat. They’re typically lighter, blend in invisibly, and are a favorite for everyday wear, but they need about fifteen to twenty minutes to fully activate before sun exposure.
There are also a few hybrid formulas that combine both types, aiming to capture the best of each. For anyone with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or little ones in the family, mineral sunscreens are often the gentler choice. For everyday use under makeup or for an active beach day where a smooth, invisible finish matters, a chemical formula might feel more comfortable. Either way, the most important factor isn’t which type we choose, it’s that we’re applying it generously and sticking to “Redo in Two.”
Reapplication doesn’t have to be a hassle. Spray formulas make it easy to do a quick pass without breaking up the day, and setting a phone timer for two hours takes the guesswork out completely. Some families have made it a fun group ritual: when the timer goes off, everyone pauses for a thirty-second “sunscreen huddle” before going back to their sandcastles or their book. It turns a chore into a shared rhythm of the day.
Clothing and shade matter too, and they’re an easy complement to sunscreen rather than a replacement for it. A wide brimmed hat, UV-protective rash guards for the kids, and a beach umbrella during the strongest midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. all add real protection without any extra products. Think of sunglasses as sunscreen for our eyes, which are also vulnerable to UV damage.
It’s worth saying that tanning is not a sign of health. A “base tan” doesn’t protect us from burning, no matter what that old myth claims. Our skin darkening is actually a visible sign of damage already happening beneath the surface. There’s no such thing as a safe tan, only varying degrees of unprotected exposure.
If we do get a sunburn, despite our best efforts, cool compresses, plenty of hydration, and aloe-based products can ease the discomfort while skin heals. Blistering, fever, or a burn covering a large portion of the body are signs to call a doctor rather than just riding it out.
The bigger picture here is simple: a few seconds of effort every two hours protects decades of skin health. So, as we head into a summer full of beach days, boardwalk strolls, and backyard barbecues, let’s make “Redo in Two” part of our routine.
Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, and skin that’s well protected to enjoy every bit of it.
Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com
