Sun Smart Series: What You Wear, Where You Are, and When You Go Out

In Part 1 of our Sun Smart series, we covered five sunscreen facts that could make a real difference in protecting your skin this summer. But here’s something many people don’t realize — sunscreen alone isn’t enough.

“Sunscreen is essential, but it’s only part of the picture,” says Richard Price MD, of Price Skin Care Clinic in Ridgeland. “What you wear, where you are, and when you go out are also crucial in taking care of your skin in the summer sun.”

What You Wear
• The clothes on your back are your first line of defense against the sun — even before sunscreen. Not all fabrics offer the same level of protection, however, and a thin white t-shirt offers far less coverage than most people assume.
• Look for clothing with a UPF rating — that stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor — which works similarly to SPF in sunscreen. A shirt rated UPF 50 blocks 98% of UV rays, compared to a standard white t-shirt which may only block around 20%. Many outdoor and athletic brands now offer lightweight, breathable UPF-rated options that are well suited to Mississippi summers.
• Beyond clothing, don’t underestimate the value of a wide-brimmed hat. Baseball caps leave the ears, neck, and sides of the face exposed — all common sites for skin cancer. A hat with a brim of at least three inches provides significantly better coverage.
• And don’t forget UV-protective sunglasses — prolonged sun exposure can damage your eyes as well as your skin, and quality sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays are an important part of your Sun Smart toolkit.

Where You Are
Shade is your friend — but it’s not a complete solution on its own. UV rays can reflect off surfaces like water, sand, and concrete, meaning you can still receive significant sun exposure even when you’re not in direct sunlight. In fact, sand reflects up to 25% of UV radiation, and water can reflect up to 100% depending on the angle of the sun.

This is especially relevant for Mississippi families spending time at the lake or pool. Being in or near the water doesn’t reduce your UV exposure — in many cases it can increase it. Apply sunscreen before you get in the water, reapply when you get out, and seek genuine shade — like a sun umbrella or covered pavilion — during the peak hours of the day.

When You Go Out
Timing matters more than most people realize. UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, and in Mississippi’s summer months that window can feel relentless. If you have flexibility in your schedule, planning outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon significantly reduces
your UV exposure.

A helpful tool is the UV Index — a daily forecast of UV radiation levels available through most weather apps. A UV Index of 3 or above warrants sun protection. In Mississippi during June, July, and August, readings of 8, 9, or even 10 — classified as “very high” — are common. On those days, every layer of your Sun Smart strategy matters.

The Bottom Line
Sunscreen is essential, but true sun protection is about layering your defenses. When you combine the right sunscreen habits from Part 1 with smart choices about what you wear, where you are, and when you go out, you give your skin the best possible chance of staying healthy all summer long.

Coming up next in our Sun Smart series — Part 3: Sun Safety Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All, where we’ll look at how sun protection needs differ for kids, seniors, and different skin tones.

Have questions about sun protection or skin care? Call Price Skin Care Clinic at (601) 992-3996 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Price or one of our nurse practitioners.