Summer Sunscreen Mistakes I Wish Everyone Knew
If you've been to Nourish, you've probably heard me say this before...
The best sunscreen is the one you'll actually wear every single day.
Daily sunscreen is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin from premature aging, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. But after nearly twenty years of treating skin, I've realized that many people are still confused about how sunscreen actually works.
The good news?
Most sunscreen mistakes are easy to fix.
Here are a few things I wish every guest knew before heading into another Texas summer.
Not All Sunscreens Work the Same
One of the biggest misconceptions is that every sunscreen offers the same type of protection.
While both mineral and chemical sunscreens are designed to protect your skin from UV rays, they work differently.
Mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin and acts like a physical shield, reflecting UV rays away from the surface.
Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and filters UV rays before they can cause damage.
At Nourish, I generally recommend mineral sunscreen because it provides excellent protection and is often a great option for sensitive skin.
That said, skincare isn't one-size-fits-all. Sometimes the best sunscreen is the one you'll enjoy wearing every day, and we offer both mineral and chemical options so we can recommend what works best for your skin and lifestyle.
SPF Numbers Don't Mean What Most People Think
Another question I hear often is...
"Should I wear SPF 30 or SPF 50?"
For most people, SPF 30 is an excellent everyday choice.
If you have very fair skin or you're taking medications that make your skin more sensitive to the sun, SPF 50 may provide additional peace of mind.
One thing many people don't realize is that the SPF number isn't telling you how long you can stay in the sun.
It's telling you how much UVB radiation reaches your skin.
No matter which SPF you choose, sunscreen only works if you're applying enough and reapplying it consistently.
Are You Applying Enough?
One of the most common sunscreen mistakes I see is simply not using enough.
A simple rule I share with my guests is the two-finger rule.
Apply sunscreen along the length of your index and middle fingers. That amount is generally enough for your face and neck.
Another way to think about it is approximately one tablespoon for your face and neck combined.
Applying less than the recommended amount means you may not actually be receiving the SPF protection listed on the bottle.
Don't Forget These Easy-to-Miss Areas
Even guests who are diligent about sunscreen often forget a few important places.
The most common areas I see missed are:
Your ears
The back of your neck
The tops of your feet
Your scalp or hair part if you're wearing your hair up
These areas receive just as much sun exposure and deserve the same protection as the rest of your skin.
Taking an extra few seconds to cover these spots can make a big difference over time.
There Is No Such Thing as Waterproof Sunscreen
This one surprises people.
There is actually no such thing as waterproof sunscreen.
Instead, you'll see products labeled water resistant.
Most water-resistant sunscreens are tested to remain effective for up to 80 minutes while swimming or sweating.
After that, it's time to reapply.
Even if you haven't been swimming, I recommend reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours if you're spending time outdoors.
Consistent reapplication is one of the best things you can do to keep your skin protected throughout the day.
My Go-To Recommendations
Guests often ask me which sunscreen I personally reach for.
Two of my favorites are from Face Reality and HydroPeptide, and I recommend both regularly depending on your skin type and goals.
One product I especially love is the HydroPeptide Solar Defense Tinted SPF 30.
It provides beautiful mineral protection while the tint adjusts naturally to your skin tone, making it an easy everyday option that blends beautifully.
The best sunscreen, however, is always the one you'll wear consistently.
Because consistency will always outperform perfection.
✨ From My Treatment Room
One of the biggest reasons I continue recommending professional facials throughout the summer is because I can often see the effects of sunscreen, sweat, oil, and environmental buildup on the skin.
Daily sunscreen is essential—but so is removing it properly at the end of the day.
Protect your skin during the day.
Care for it every evening.
The combination of both is what keeps your skin healthy all year long.
Questions?
One thing I always tell my guests is this...
If you ever have questions about sunscreen, your skincare routine, or you're unsure which products are right for your skin, please reach out.
I never want you to feel like you have to wait until your next appointment because you don't want to bother me.
That's what I'm here for—to help keep your skin healthy, happy, and on track.
With Gratitude,
Kenna Ramos
Founder | Nourish Lifestyle Spa