Is tighter sun protection always better-瞭望新时代网-瞭望时代，放眼世界

Is tighter sun protection always better

2026-07-13

As the scorching summer arrives, how to protect against sun exposure has become a hot topic. Some netizens believe that thicker sunscreen application and tighter physical coverage (using hats, masks, sunglasses, etc.) yield better protection, advocating full-body coverage with all sun protection gear. Is this notion correct? “Prolonged tight wrapping creates a sealed, stuffy environment that hinders sweat and sebum excretion, disrupting the skin’s micro-ecosystem.” Wu Rongwei, attending physician at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, explained: Skin requires normal heat dissipation and metabolic exchange, and cannot adapt long-term to stuffy conditions. During hot weather, prolonged “full armor” sun protection creates a sealed, stuffy environment on the face, preventing sweat and sebum from draining properly. Accumulated blockages in pores, combined with long-term deposition on the skin surface, continuously irritate facial skin, potentially damaging the skin barrier and even triggering inflammatory reactions like erythema, papules, and itching. Cheng Zi’an, attending physician at the Emergency Department of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, warned that unscientific sunscreen use exacerbates skin burden. For example, excessive thick application of sunscreen not only causes sticky discomfort but may also increase the risk of follicular blockage due to its film-forming agents and emulsifiers in hot, humid conditions with active sebum secretion, becoming an “accomplice” in triggering or worsening acne. “The thickness of sunscreen application is not directly proportional to its protective effect. The efficacy depends on achieving the standard dosage—approximately the size of a one-yuan coin for the face. For sensitive skin, some chemical UV filters have potential irritancy, and exceeding the standard dosage may induce contact dermatitis,” Cheng said. Over-pursuing full-body sun protection, besides increasing skin burden, may cause other adverse effects. Wu Rongwei noted that excessive sun protection may reduce exposure to medium-wave ultraviolet B (UVB) rays needed for vitamin D synthesis in the skin. For those practicing strict sun protection year-round, it is recommended to monitor vitamin D levels and compensate through increased intake of sea fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy products, or vitamin D supplements as advised by doctors, which is crucial for bone health. Cheng Zi’an suggested that sun protection should follow the principles of “demand-based protection” and “moderate balance”: Physical coverage should be paired according to scenarios: For high-intensity UV environments like snow mountains, beaches, plateaus, or midday summer sun, short-term use of hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses is appropriate; for daily commuting or indoor settings, full-body wrapping is unnecessary. Select sunscreen with SPF/PA values matching the scenario and use the standard dosage: Apply 15 minutes before going out, reapply every 2–3 hours, and no need to blindly pursue ultra-high SPF values or thick application.

Edit：WENWEN Responsible editor：LINXUAN

Source：Economic Daily

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