☀️ Summer Skin Protection: What You Need to Know
Summer is here—and while sunshine boosts our mood and gives us that golden glow, it also brings real risks to our skin health if we’re not careful. Whether you're training outdoors, hiking, hitting the beach, or just running errands, protecting your skin from UV damage should be part of your wellness routine.
Let’s break down why skin protection matters, how to choose the right sunscreen, and the difference between sprays and lotions so you can stay safe, active, and sun-smart.
🧴 Why Skin Protection Matters
Sun exposure over time leads to:
Premature aging (wrinkles, sunspots)
Sunburns (which can harm your immune system and healing)
Skin cancer risk (including melanoma, which can be deadly)
And no, melanin doesn’t make you immune everyone needs protection, regardless of skin tone.
🕶️ How to Protect Your Skin in Summer
1. Apply Sunscreen Every Day
Even on cloudy days, UV rays still reach your skin. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours, or after sweating or swimming.
- 2. Choose Broad-Spectrum Protection
Look for “broad spectrum” on the label—it means it protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
3. Use SPF 30 or Higher
SPF 15 blocks \~93% of UVB rays
SPF 30 blocks \~97%
SPF 50 blocks \~98%
For longer outdoor activity? Go with SPF 50 or higher.
4. Don't Forget These Spots
* Ears
* Back of the neck
* Tops of feet
* Bald spots or part lines
* Lips (use an SPF lip balm)
🔍 Best Sunscreens to Use
Here are a few dermatologist-approved options that work for active people:
💪 For Sports and Sweat:
Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free SPF 70+
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50+
Coppertone Sport Spray SPF 50
🌿 For Sensitive Skin:
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Aveeno Positively Mineral SPF 50
🧒 For Kids and Family:
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Badger SPF 40 Kids Sunscreen Cream
🧼 Spray vs. Lotion: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Spray Sunscreen | Lotion Sunscreen** |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Ease of Use | Quick & convenient | More time to apply |
| Coverage Control| Can be uneven if not rubbed in | More even, thorough application |
| Ideal For | Reapplying on-the-go or hard-to-reach areas | Full-body coverage before sun exposure |
| Caution | Can miss spots; don’t inhale it | Can feel greasy if over applied |
Bottom line:
* Use lotion for your first application—get full, even coverage.
* Use spray for quick reapplications, especially for back, shoulders, and legs.
* Always rub spray sunscreen in after spraying to ensure it actually works.
🧢 Bonus Protection Tips
Wear a hat (wide-brim if possible)
Use UV-blocking sunglasses
Cover up with light, breathable, long-sleeved shirts
Stay in the shade between 10am–4pm when the sun’s strongest
In Summary
- Skin protection isn’t just about vanity—it’s about longevity, prevention, and taking care of the body you're working hard to improve. Keep sunscreen in your gym bag, in your car, and by the front door. Make it a habit, like brushing your teeth.
Your skin will thank you now—and years down the line.
Next Level Fitness is a small private fitness facility in Oakland, CA. It is located in the Grand Lake area of Oakland. Next Level Fitness provides chiropractic, personal training and small group training services to these areas of Oakland 94610, 94611, 94602. We cater to "Every-Body" but specialize in fitness services for adults 30(+).
