Summer's Here: Your June Sun-Protection Reset
The UV index is peaking, so it's time to level up your routine.
Summer UV is at its yearly peak: the UV Index typically reaches its highest values in June for most of the Northern Hemisphere, and dermatologists advise sun protection any time it hits 3 or higher.
Dermatologists note that summer's high sun angle pushes the UV Index into the very-high range by midday, so the habit that protects you is reapplying on schedule and seeking shade between 10am and 4pm — not chasing a bigger SPF number.
Questions we get a lot
Do water and sand make summer UV worse?
Yes. Reflective surfaces bounce UV back at your skin, so a day at the pool or beach delivers more exposure than the sky alone — water reflects some UV and sand reflects roughly a quarter of it. That's on top of June's already-high sun angle, so reapply often and use shade and UPF clothing.
Is sunscreen necessary on cloudy summer days?
Yes. Up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds, and UVA — the deeper-penetrating, aging wavelength — stays fairly constant regardless of cloud cover. A cool, overcast summer day can still deliver enough UV to burn and damage skin, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended.
What are the most-missed spots in a summer sun routine?
Commonly missed areas include the ears, the back of the neck, the tops of the feet, the scalp part-line and the lips. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ generously, add an SPF lip balm, and lean on UPF clothing, a wide-brim hat and shade during the 10am–4pm peak when summer UV is strongest.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'How often should I really reapply sunscreen on a hot summer day outside?'