Non-Sunscreen Ways to Protect Your Skin This Summer

Sunscreen Is Not the Only Layer That Counts

Sunscreen gets most of the attention in summer skin care conversations, but it is only one piece of a much bigger picture. UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, clothing and accessories provide a layer of protection that does not wear off, does not need reapplying every two hours, and does not get missed during a rushed application.

A few reasons this layer matters so much:

• UPF 50+ fabric blocks about 98% of UVA and UVB rays consistently for as long as it is worn.
• It covers the spots people often forget with sunscreen, such as the scalp part line, ears, and back of the neck.
• It reduces how much skin actually needs sunscreen in the first place, which means fewer missed spots and less reapplying.
• It holds up through sweat and water, where sunscreen tends to break down fastest.

Below are the non-sunscreen pieces worth building into a summer routine, organized by what they cover.

For the Face, Neck, and Shoulders: Wide-Brim Hats

A wide-brim hat protects areas that are easy to miss with sunscreen and difficult to reapply throughout the day. The scalp part line, ears, and back of the neck are common areas where sun damage can show up later.

For the Arms and Shoulders: Sun Wraps

A lightweight sun wrap is an easy layer to keep in a bag for whenever the sun becomes more intense than expected. It can be worn over a swimsuit, a tank top, or an outfit for an evening outdoors after a day in the sun.

For All-Day Coverage: UPF Hoodies

For anyone spending a full day outdoors, whether at the beach, on a boat, or simply running errands in the sun, a UPF hoodie provides significant coverage in one piece without the commitment or heat of a full wetsuit-style rash guard.

• Coolibar Women’s Cabana Long Zip-Up Hoodie: A soft, breathable layering piece with a two-way zipper and an attached hood for additional scalp and neck coverage. It works well for backyard gatherings, park days, or layering over a swimsuit before or after time in the water.

Building a Non-Sunscreen Routine

None of these pieces needs to replace sunscreen entirely. They work best alongside it, especially on the face and hands, which are difficult to cover completely with clothing.

A simple way to think about it:

• Use sunscreen on skin that stays exposed no matter what, including the face, hands, and feet.
• Use UPF clothing and hats for everything else, including the arms, shoulders, scalp, neck, and back.
• Use shade and thoughtful timing as the free, low-effort layer underneath both.

Combined, these three strategies make it much harder for a sunburn to sneak through, even during a long day outside.

Have questions about sun protection for your specific skin type or a history of sun sensitivity? Book a consultation with Dr. Yoo!

Updated July 2026

Dr. Jane Yoo Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon

Jane Yoo, MD, MPP, is a Korean American board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon based in Midtown Manhattan. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the founder of Jane Yoo MD, PLLC and the Clinical Research Center of New York. Dr. Yoo holds an undergraduate degree from MIT and a Masters of Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. She completed her Mohs micrographic surgery fellowship at Yale. Her clinical and research focus spans aesthetic clinical trials including injectables and laser technology, skincare formulation and sunscreen science, K-Beauty and skin of color, ultrasound guided filler dissolution, artificial intelligence and beauty tech. Dr. Yoo's research is indexed under ORCID 0000-0002-7112-8963.

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