Do hats eliminate the need for sunscreen?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Some people think a good sun hat is a substitute for sunscreen, but this *misconception* can be detrimental to the skin. Sun hats block the sun's direct rays but do not protect from reflected UV rays that bounce off other surfaces and hit the skin. To achieve total sun protection, dermatologists will tell you that wearing a hat and sunscreen are both necessary, and these two products need to be used in conjunction to be truly effective.
Reflected Radiation
- UV rebounds off water sand or concrete at 17-35% intensity
- Rays reach under brims striking cheeks and chin areas
- This indirect exposure causes cumulative skin damage over time
Peripheral Vulnerability
- Ear tips and neck sides remain exposed in most hat designs
- Wind can lift brims creating temporary exposure gaps
- These areas show high rates of precancerous cell development
Material Degradation
- UPF 50+ fabrics lose effectiveness after 50 washes
- Color fading signals reduced radiation blockage capacity
- Older hats may provide less than UPF 15 protection
Apply sunscreen SPF 30+ every two hours, and more frequently under the edge of hats. Be sure to apply sunscreen to your ears and nose, as these are areas that are often overlooked. The back of the neck is frequently overlooked when applying sunscreen as well. I learned this while guiding tours in the desert, where multiple guests burned despite wearing wide-brimmed hats. Pale sand reflected rays that caused their unexpected burns.
Safeguard the protective integrity of your hat by looking after it. Using only gentle hand washing in cool water will maintain UV treatments. Replace hats at the first sign of fading colors or thinning fabric. High-end brands like Tilley will stand behind their warranty, but the fact remains that all materials break down. When your gear looks refreshed, pair it with your broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Implement a system of putting on sunscreen before putting on a hat. Put on more sunscreen after swimming or sweating profusely. This layering will shield from all angles. Make double coverage automatic, like putting on a seatbelt. Your skin is protected during any outdoor activities.
Read the full article: Ultimate Hat Sun Protection Guide
