Think sunscreen is just for beach days? Think again. Harmful UV rays are bombarding your skin daily—even through clouds, windows, and during quick dog walks. Your left arm is likely aging faster than your right from driving, and that "healthy tan" is actually radiation damage in disguise.

In this eye-opening exploration of sunscreen, I dive into the sticky world of sun protection with some startling revelations about how most of us are doing it all wrong. Adults need a full shot glass of product for their entire body, reapplied every two hours—and no, that misty spray-and-pray technique isn't cutting it. I break down the critical differences between chemical sunscreens (containing oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate) that can disrupt hormones and damage coral reefs, versus mineral alternatives with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect rays safely.

I share personal recommendations straight from my beach bag, including Elta MD UV Clear, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, Blue Lizard Baby, and Coco Kind Silk SPF. Plus, the shocking truth about heat destroying sunscreen effectiveness—meaning that bottle baking in your beach bag might be worthless by midday. As someone currently undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer, I've gained a new perspective on protecting our bodies from unnecessary radiation exposure. Don't treat SPF like an optional accessory; make it your daily armor against skin cancer and premature aging. Subscribe, leave a review, or simply commit to better sun protection habits—your future self will thank you!