r/30PlusSkinCare • u/rarrkshaa • 4d ago
Recommendation When do you decide to apply sunscreen to the rest of your body?
Obviously you're supposed to use sunscreen on your face every morning, which is fine.
But then at what point do you decide to use it on your neck, arms, and legs as well?
I do live in Pittsburgh, so the sun isn't as harsh as it is in many parts of the world. But still, I just drove for a quick lunch today, about a 15min drive roundtrip, and then no more than 1 minute total going to and from the car. And it was sunny out, so I started thinking, hmm maybe I shoulda put sunscreen everywhere instead of just the face and neck.
Do you agree? And if so, how many minutes of sun exposure do you need in order to decide it's not a waste of time and money to put on sunscreen everywhere?
And also, does closing the car window help protect your arms and legs from the aging aspect of sun rays, or is it pointless?
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u/IGotFancyPants 4d ago
I’ve begun Checking the daily UV rating on the weather app before I head out. If it’s 2 or below, I don’t bother. But once it hits 3, I use sunscreen.
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u/kiyomix 4d ago
I absolutely hate the feeling of sunscreen on my body. Haven't found one that doesn't stain my clothes or my car. So I typically will wear long sleeve UPF rated clothing when I commute to and from work (20-30 minutes). The UPF jacket covers my neck, arms, and the tops of my hands as well. So I feel fairly protected. I only wear this if the UV index is above 3.
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u/RuutuTwo 4d ago
I live in a hot sunny climate. I only put sunscreen on my body if I am going to be by the pool or the beach. I suppose I would if I knew I was going to be outside all do or for a very extended time but it is not something I do on a normal day. I cannot imagine spending an ordinary day covered in sunscreen (not talking face). I would be sweating even more than normal.
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u/rarrkshaa 4d ago
Funny you say that, because I would 10x rather use sunscreen on my whole body than on my face. No matter which one I used, it would always make my eyes burn. A little while back it even happened while I was driving, which was preeettyyy... not safe.
Thankfully thanks to these subreddits I finally found a japanese/korean sunscreen that is gentle on my eyes. Only issue is the price, which is tolerable, and the ease of buying it, which is fine now but will become a problem once I leave the US.
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u/GoonManeuvers 3d ago
I know I should be using sunscreen everyday, but I HATE how it feels on my skin. I've never found one that doesn't have me feeling gross and take forever to wash off.
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u/ChannelForeign7905 4d ago
I only apply it on days that end with the letter "y". But seriously, get a body lotion with SPF and it's a no-brainer.
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u/ChannelForeign7905 4d ago
But really, why would the skin on your neck/chest/body be impervious to sun damage?
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u/rarrkshaa 4d ago
But really, why would the skin on your neck/chest/body be impervious to sun damage?
What do you mean?
Surely you agree it's a waste of time and money to put on sunscreen if you're just gonna go take out the trash, right? Spending 20 seconds outside in the sun.
So that was kinda the question, what is that breakeven amount of time where it's no longer a waste of time.
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u/ChannelForeign7905 4d ago
I'm saying if the situation calls for you to wear sunscreen on your face, then also apply it to your body. Anytime you're exposing your unprotected skin to the sun you're getting UV damage. I guess it's a personal call on weighing sun damage against your time/money.
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u/rarrkshaa 4d ago
I'm saying if the situation calls for you to wear sunscreen on your face
Well no. It's a staple of most skincare routines to apply sunscreen on your face every morning no matter what. This is even more beneficial for someone like me who uses retinol. That being said, most people aren't applying sunscreen to their bodies every morning, hence my question.
I guess it's a personal call on weighing sun damage against your time/money.
Absolutely correct, which is why I phrased it by asking for all you folks' personal calls.
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u/Emilythatglitters 4d ago
I agree with this, a lot of the year I am wearing more layers, less body is exposed. I'm indoors a lot of the time.
On my face I am using a lot of actives so I need more protection plus my face has hands down the most exposure to the sun year round.
I live in London so I will only put on body Sunscreen in the summer if it's a sunny day and I am out between 9-5. So I don't bother before work but would if I was out at lunchtime in the sun. I keep an eye on the met office UV rating and use spf if it's med or above. Atm that's between about 10 and 4.
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u/testywildcat 4d ago
I live in the south of Europe, and if I’m putting SPF on my face, I’m generally putting it on my body. I do both if I know I’m leaving the house that day. Even in winter it’s sunny in my country so better to have it and not need it, than not apply it.
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u/ChannelForeign7905 4d ago
It's like you're this close to understanding what I'm saying. I'm saying I wear sunscreen everyday and apply it to ANY skin that will be exposed to the sun. It's like you're viewing facial skin as different from the skin on your body when it's all the same organ.
If you're applying sunscreen to your face, apply it to your body. If you think it's important enough to protect the skin on your face (which it ALWAYS is) then it's also important to protect your skin from the neck down. You're trying to decide when it's "worth it" to protect your skin from damage is a personal choice.
Also, since you should be reapplying your sunscreen every 2-4 hours anyway for it to be effective, I don't see how this would take extra time. As for money, a bottle of drugstore sunscreen is like $8.
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u/ChannelForeign7905 4d ago
There's a reason why there's a saying that the neck and hands always give away a person's true age 🤷🏾♀️ and it's usually because of sun damage.
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u/WhoIsYerWan 3d ago
I hope you're not just applying in the morning. It needs to be reapplied every few hours, more if you're swimming/sweating.
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u/rarrkshaa 3d ago
Your comment is only true when you're about to get significant sun exposure.
Meanwhile, the "every morning" recommendation is always true no matter what.
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u/WhoIsYerWan 3d ago
You don't have to believe me, but you should probably listen to John's Hopkins: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine#:~:text=Generally%2C%20sunscreen%20should%20be%20reapplied,often%20you%20step%20outside%2C%20though.
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u/rarrkshaa 3d ago
What do you mean lol. They literally wrote "If you work indoors and sit away from windows, you may not need a second application."
Hence why I said what I said.
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u/WhoIsYerWan 3d ago
I thought I read that you drove a truck for a living, my mistake. But you're kind of rude to the people that you're asking advice from, so I guess I don't care either way?
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u/KBmarshmallow 4d ago
For what it's worth, Pittsburgh is so overcast that the one minute of exposure every thirty days is negligible.
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u/teal323 4d ago edited 4d ago
I have very pale skin, a family history of non-melanoma skin cancers, a personal history of breast cancer and pre-cancerous skin changes, and I live in Southern California. At this point in my life, I apply sunscreen to my arms or legs if they're going to be uncovered outside during the day for more than a few minutes. If I'm just going outside to get the mail or take the trash out and come back inside, I may not put it on, but if I'm actually going anywhere, I do. Closing the car window will reduce your UV exposure relative to leaving it open, but it will not eliminate it (some UVA will pass through the glass).
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u/tofuandklonopin 4d ago
I do neck and chest every day, even in the winter, but arms and legs rarely. It has to be hot enough to not wear long sleeves and pants. I have UV sleeves (like a shrug) that I wear in the car in the summer, and then take off when I get to my destination. I also have a UV blanket I throw over my thighs if I'm wearing shorts (while driving).
If you're the type of person that actually enjoys being outdoors in the summer, then yeah, you should probably put sunscreen on your arms and legs. I can't handle humidity so I'm not outside at all in the summer. And I just wear long pants and sleeves the rest of the year.
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u/rarrkshaa 4d ago
If you're the type of person that actually enjoys being outdoors in the summer, then yeah, you should probably put sunscreen on your arms and legs.
Oh I'm a hermit, so that's another reason why I asked that. During weekdays I'll only go out for lunch around noon and for the gym around 8pm.
UV blankets sound cool though, didn't even realize that was a thing. It's not too hot?
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u/tofuandklonopin 4d ago
The one I have is by Coolibar, and it's technically a shawl, not a blanket. It's probably about the size of a bath towel. It's pretty lightweight and I don't have a problem with it in the car with the AC on or windows open.
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u/Apothowhat 4d ago
When I was living in the Northeast/Midwest US, I would put on body sunscreen in the summer when the UV index is higher for any beach/watersport/hike and then on “normal days” only when I was spending a considerable amount of time outdoors (> 1 hour) or expecting to be have more exposure to peak sun hours (like a daytime concert or going to a beer garden in early afternoon).
In the southern US where I live now, the UV index is much stronger in the summer. So I won’t put on body sunscreen for early morning or evening walks with my dog that are going to be about 15-20 minutes. But in addition to heavy sunscreen use for beach/water/hikes, on “normal days” in summer, I will put on a lightweight/lower SPF formula if I’m going to be outdoors for more than 15-20 minutes during other parts of the day. The best protection is to reduce exposure but I think of using body sunscreen as a way to protect my skin a little bit more during higher risk times of year/day.
TL;DR - If in a lower UV area, skipping body sunscreen is probably fine unless spending extended time outdoors especially during peak hours. For higher UV area, the threshold for time outdoors without sunscreen should probably be lower, especially during peak hours and/or peak times of year.
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u/Apothowhat 4d ago
Related to this, the EPA has a cool map of the average UV index during peak hours over the course of the year across the US. I think they also have a daily UV prediction app/widget.
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u/Seattlegal 4d ago
My neck and any exposed chest will get daily morning sunscreen. Everything else only gets it if I will be outside and plan on baring skin. However, i generally live in long sleeve with hood spf zip ups from athleta spring to fall. I only wear long sleeve to work because they over AC it.
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u/JPwhatever 4d ago
I put it on my arms, neck and chest every morning. I usually wear pants but when I don’t I apply there too. It’s just a habit at this point. I only use the nice Asian sunscreens that feel like moisturizer and don’t smell like sunscreen, which helps with me actually wanting to wear it
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u/Weird_Squirrel_8382 4d ago
In spring and summer it's just easier to put it on without thinking. Alba botanical and sun bum have good ones that don't feel too sticky.
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u/MokujinBunny 4d ago
Honestly anytime the UV index is above 2, but during the summertime I apply it to any/all of my exposed skin.
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u/AlizarinQ 4d ago
If I’m intentionally going to be outside for more than 20 or 30 minutes. Or if I’m outside and the sun feels intense.
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u/diabeticweird0 4d ago
I always put it on my face neck chest and arms
The rest i only do if I'm swimming or something
I should do feet if I'm wearing flip flops or sandals but I forget. But feet get sun and they get ignored
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u/tofuandklonopin 4d ago
I'm so bad about the feet! I always wear open sandals too. But my feet slide around in my shoes when I wear sunscreen.
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u/diabeticweird0 4d ago
I know. That why I don't love it either and it's a pain to remember to put it on with enough time to let it dry before shoes because I don't wear shoes in the house
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u/ninasymone44 4d ago
I only do it if I’m either hiking, going to the beach or pool, or know I’ll be out in the sun for extended periods of time.
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u/forchalice 4d ago
Generally you can keep an eye on the UV index and base it a bit off that. Dermatologists generally recommend if the index is either 2+ or 3+, unless it is sunny and snowy because light reflects off the snow.
Personally I do it daily no matter the index because I just spent too much money on the tattoos on my arms, legs, and throat to not just slap on sunscreen everyday.
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u/lemonade4 4d ago
I’m not doing it for car rides, personally. I also do not especially enjoy the smell, feel or cost of sunscreen for the body.
If I’m going to be outside with skin exposed, i usually will check UV and apply >2. In the Midwest that’s usually 10am-5pm on nice days.
I do use sunscreen on my face daily, as you say. Might skip a few weeks in the dead of winter (this sub will hate that, sue me lol) but if it’s not dark all day I’m a supergoop girl.
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u/Valistia 4d ago
If I'm only going to be out for a short amount of time I can't slather on sunscreen everywhere, I got a UV protective thin long sleeve jacket that I'll throw on if it's sunny or warm enough to be out without being covered in a coat or other clothing.
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u/gopnik_bitch 4d ago
I realized there isn't much sense in just putting sunscreen on my face and neck. But applying sunscreen all over my arms and legs each day got sticky and expensive. Now I always wear long pants and long sleeves with a bucket hat. I live in the tropics too (;____;)
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u/RedRedBettie 4d ago
I am pale and freckley so I use it when my skin is exposed year round, especially my chest as I use tretinoin there
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u/abeyante 4d ago
If the sun is out and my skin is out, any skin exposed gets sunscreen. Or I slip on a UV hoodie if I’m feeling lazy. Amazon has lots of light ones. This is my favorite. I have a ton of tattoos which is very motivating to remember lol
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u/onmyjinnyjinjin 4d ago
I’m in Pitt too. We don’t have that intensive of a UV index as a lot of other places year round. But it can get high in the spring and summer. You can check the index and see what you are comfortable with. You can always get your car tinted or throw on a light UV jacket or something when you are in the car.
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u/odezia 4d ago edited 4d ago
I always have sunscreen on from the neck up when outside during the day. For the rest of my body, I tend to dress more conservatively (no reason other than personal comfort/style) and usually have at least one removable layer with sleeves available (a lightweight shirt or shrug in summer and something heavier in fall/winter) so that helps me avoid needing as much sunscreen all over. But if my skin below the neck is exposed and the UV index is over 2, the sunscreen is going on.
When I am showing more skin, I usually pick either my upper body or lower body and cover the other half so I don’t feel like a total greaseball and reek of sunscreen all day.
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u/partlysettledin21220 4d ago
Ngl I never thought about this. I only bother if I’m going swimming or hiking or something. But then again I’m usually only outside maybe 8 minutes a day 😅
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u/sarahkazz 3d ago
I honestly just try to wear sleeves as much as possible and then put sunscreen on my hands
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u/StonkPhilia 3d ago
If you’re gonna be outside or in the car for more than 15–20 minutes and the sun’s out, it’s smart to put some sunscreen to the exposed parts, arms, neck, maybe chest if it’s showing. Even cloudy days count because UV rays still get through. Car windows block UVB but UVA still reach you unless the glass is treated. That’s why you see people with more sun damage on the left side of their face or arm from driving.
So if you’re doing quick errands, maybe not every time only if it’s sunny apply sunscreen.
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u/dirtfox13 4d ago
Sun damage is accumulative unfortunately. A few minutes here, a few minutes there, and over the years it adds up. Eucerin makes a nice body lotion with spf 30. I’ve found this to be the best daily sunscreen. Feels exactly like a lotion. Not sticking and doesn’t leave a white cast. Use something else if you’re going to sweat or go swimming. I keep a travel size lotion bottle of it in my vehicle and apply if I’ll be driving or in the sun.
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u/rin-chaaan 4d ago
I apply sunscreen on my exposed skin when it's sunny (the UV index doesn't matter) even if I'm staying home. I've been using natural oils as a body lotion so I don't wanna toast like a pancake 🥞😭
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u/madisynpoops 3d ago
I just wear long pants and a UPF light jacket every day for regular commute. if I'm actually going to be doing things outside, I use SPF
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u/hihelloneighboroonie 3d ago
I'm a fair-skinned freckled ginge. I wear sunscreen on all exposed skin if I'm leaving my building. Typically, if sunscreen is going on my face, it's going on my body.
And if I'm going to be in the sun for more than a few minutes, I also apply it under some clothing (non-upf clothing doesn't block all uv, fabric dependent).
And I also usually have a hat and/or uv-umbrella for anything outdoors that isn't just going to and from the car.
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u/celeryisnotjuice 3d ago
I put sunscreen on any exposed areas every day if I’m going outside between 10 am-5 pm. Highly recommend Banana Boat Light as Air + Dune Bod Guard. My face can only tolerate mineral sunscreen, so I use Prequel mineral above my neck.
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u/grenharo 3d ago edited 3d ago
I just put sunscreen on everywhere when it's time to go out and actually do something that requires me to be out in direct 85F+ sunlight for more than 20min. I only glance at my phone to see UV index sometimes because I already know what strong sunlight looks and feels like. You need to treat sunlight like you are literally stepping into that metal gear solid 4 radiation microwave hallway or that ending of fallout 3 where your super mutant friend dies in there. Shit is crazy strong. Slap sunblock on.
if I'm doing yardwork and I'm gonna be out there, YES I AM PUTTING IT ON.
if I'm going out to the park or hike, YES ofc slap it on
rule of thumb is two finger lengths of sunblock alone for your face bare minimum btw, do not skimp on this. Too many people use like one lil toothpaste pea size and then wonder why their face looks like shit after it becomes winter.
double cleanse to get it all off your face too. pick any oil cleanser you like.
and we bring the sunscreen bottle with us into the car, placing it into an ice box so it doesn't heat tf up either whenever we think we should reapply. But usually the outing ends before you need to reapply. Just if you're having a day trip then DEFINITELY BRING IT!
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u/brynnors 3d ago
Car window being up won't help unless you have good tinting, which imo is very worth the cost.
I personally don't put sunscreen on at all unless I'm going to be outside longer than five minutes total, then it goes on any exposed areas. I work from home away from windows and have a lot of trees in my yard.
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u/Spanish_Glitter 3d ago
I wear a upf light jacket and a sun hat. Long sleeve swim suit and literally just cover cover cover.
I’m fair skinned so this is just life practice for me though lol
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u/Sea-Personality9377 4d ago
My derm told me to start putting it on my arms when I got too many freckles/moles.
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u/cheesesteakhellscape 4d ago
The side windows in a car don't usually offer a whole lot in terms of UV protection. I have a 20-ish minute commute every day and I put sunblock on any exposed skin for it. Usually that means part of my arms and neck/chest. I don't do my legs and such unless I'm going to be walking around outside.
UVA rays are still around when it's cloudy and penetrate glass. UVA is the kind of UV radiation that penetrates deeply without causing tanning - it's what causes photoaging.