Do I need sunscreen on my face if I bought a hat?

This question is great and often comes up in discussions. The answer is both straightforward and very important. Yes, the face is how this explains it: Hats are great for protecting the tops of your head and scalp, but they don’t cover your entire face.

Why a Hat is Important

Hats are essential as a protection for the scalp and the hairline where melanoma and other skin cancers can be located. These places are usually neglected in that people don’t put sunscreen on their hair and scalp. Besides, the head is one of the highest places on the body so it is one of the first parts to be exposed to UV rays. A hat with a 3 inch brim usually provides adequate coverage for the scalp, the tops of the ears and the front portion of the face.

Why Sunscreen is Still Necessary

A hat alone is not sufficient because UV radiation penetrates and can reach the face despite the use of a hat. They reflect and scatter off of surrounding surfaces such as grass, sand, water, snow, and even concrete sidewalks and trees which often go under the brim of the hat. Indirect rays can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and skin aging it also increases the risk for developing sunspots. It is true that a hat helps, but it is not the best solution.

Elements of Your Protection

For better protection consider adding a wide brim hat and applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or above. Ensure that you apply it adequately to your cheeks, throat and chest area and remember to replenish the application every 2 hours especially if you are sweating or spending time around reflective areas. In combination a sun hat along with sunscreen offers extensive protection making your chances for sun inflicted harm minimal.

Have fun and protect yourself from direct sunlight!