SPF

Sun Protection 101

Protect Your Skin—No Matter Your Skin Tone

At Wake Beauty, we believe caring for your skin means protecting it, too. Sun protection isn’t just a summer habit, and it isn’t only for people with fair skin. Every skin tone can benefit from daily sun protection.

UV exposure can contribute to sunburn, premature skin aging, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and skin cancer. Your skin deserves protection every day—not just when you’re at the beach. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Broad-Spectrum: Don’t Skip This Part

Not all SPF products provide the same type of protection.

SPF primarily measures protection against UVB rays, which are strongly associated with sunburn. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Think of it this way:

UVB = Burning
UVA = Aging + contributes to skin cancer

That’s why looking for “Broad Spectrum” on the label matters. (American Academy of Dermatology)

What SPF Should You Choose?

Dermatologists recommend choosing a sunscreen that is:

SPF 30 or higher + Broad Spectrum + Water Resistant

Remember: a higher SPF doesn’t mean you can stay in the sun all day without reapplying. SPF is not a timer. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Yes, Even on Cloudy Days

One of the biggest misconceptions about sunscreen is that you don’t need it when the sun isn’t shining.

You do.

UV rays can reach your skin on cloudy days, and the AAD notes that up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds. Haze and overcast skies don’t automatically mean your skin is protected. (American Academy of Dermatology)

So whether you’re going to the beach, walking the dog, running errands, or simply spending time outside—protect your skin.

When Should You Apply SPF?

Make sunscreen part of your morning skincare routine.

Apply it approximately 15 minutes before going outdoors so it has time to form its protective layer. Apply it to all exposed skin, including areas people commonly forget:

Don’t Forget to Reapply

Sunscreen wears off.

When you’re outdoors, reapply approximately every two hours, and sooner after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. If you’re using a water-resistant sunscreen, follow the product’s stated water-resistance time—typically 40 or 80 minutes. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Sunglasses Are Skin Care, Too

Your eyes and the delicate skin around them deserve protection.

Choose sunglasses that provide UV protection, and consider a wide-brimmed hat when you’re spending significant time outdoors. Sun-protective clothing and shade can provide another layer of protection. (American Academy of Dermatology)

A Note for Melanin-Rich Skin

Darker skin contains more melanin, which provides some natural protection from UV radiation—but it does not make skin immune to sun damage or skin cancer.

Sun exposure can also contribute to hyperpigmentation and melasma. For people concerned about dark spots, a tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen containing iron oxide can provide additional protection against visible light, which can worsen hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones. (American Academy of Dermatology)

What to Avoid

❌ Don’t rely on SPF alone

Sunscreen is important, but it isn’t your only defense. Use shade, protective clothing, hats, and UV-protective sunglasses, too. (American Academy of Dermatology)

❌ Don’t use too little

Most adults need approximately 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover exposed body skin adequately. Using too little can significantly reduce the protection you actually receive. (American Academy of Dermatology)

❌ Don’t wait until you’re already outside

Apply about 15 minutes before sun exposure.

❌ Don’t assume “waterproof” means waterproof

There is no such thing as truly waterproof sunscreen. Look for water-resistant products and follow the reapplication directions. (American Academy of Dermatology)

❌ Don’t forget your everyday exposure

Sun protection isn’t just for vacations. Walking, driving, sitting outside, exercising, and running errands can all add to your cumulative UV exposure.

❌ Don’t use an expired sunscreen

Check the expiration date and replace sunscreen that is expired or whose age you’re uncertain about. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Your Simple Sun-Safe Routine

Morning:
Cleanse → Treat/serum → Moisturize → Broad-spectrum SPF 30+

Before going outside:
Apply SPF approximately 15 minutes beforehand.

While outdoors:
Reapply approximately every 2 hours—and sooner after swimming or sweating.

Add extra protection:
Sunglasses + hat + protective clothing + shade.

At Wake Beauty, We Believe in the Whole Picture

Beautiful skin isn’t just about what you put on it.

It’s about protecting, nourishing, resting, moving, and caring for yourself from the inside out.

Sun protection is one small but powerful part of that journey.

Protect your skin. Protect your glow. Love the skin you’re in.