SPF Secrets: What You’re Probably Missing

You wear sunscreen. You avoid tanning beds. You think you’re doing everything right when it comes to sun protection. But according to Dr. Kaplan, most people are still missing a few crucial steps, and those small mistakes can have a big impact on how your skin ages over time.

“Most patients think SPF is just something you apply before the beach,” says Dr. Kaplan. “But sun protection is an all-day, every-day commitment. It’s not just about avoiding a sunburn. It’s about preventing long-term damage you may not see until years later.” The truth is, even people who are consistent with SPF often apply too little, forget to reapply, or miss key areas that are highly prone to sun damage. And for those relying on sunscreen alone? “That’s like locking the door and leaving the windows open,” he adds. Below, Dr. Kaplan breaks down the most common SPF mistakes and how to correct them for better skin today and healthier skin in the future.

Clothing Counts More Than You Think

Sunscreen is essential, but it shouldn’t be your only form of defense. Physical protection is your first layer. Dr. Kaplan wears ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)-rated clothing at the beach, along with a wide-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Unlike regular clothing, UPF fabrics are specifically designed to block UV rays from reaching your skin. And those sunglasses? They’re not just for comfort or squinting less, they help protect the delicate skin around your eyes and lower your risk of developing skin cancer on the eyelids or even the eyes themselves. If you’re spending extended time outdoors, what you wear is just as important as what you apply. On beach days, Dr. Kaplan also layers on a visibly thick coat of sunscreen for extra protection.

You’re Not Using Enough

For everyday protection, Dr. Kaplan applies a full, even layer of the Diamond Contour Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Complete Complexion Treatment to his face, neck, and ears. It’s designed to hydrate, prime, perfect, and protect in one step, making it easy to stay consistent with daily SPF. But when it comes to extended outdoor exposure, like a full day at the beach, application habits should shift. That’s when most people underdo it. Skimping on sunscreen means you won’t get the level of protection listed on the label. For example, SPF 30 only works as SPF 30 if you’re using the correct amount, and most people don’t.

Dr. Kaplan often sees patients who think they’re covered, but are unknowingly under-protected simply because they didn’t apply enough or forgot to reapply. And even if you’re not sitting in the sun, UVA rays can still pass through windows at home, in the office, and especially while driving. These rays are responsible for fine lines, collagen loss, and long-term skin damage. Your skin doesn’t know the difference between a beach day and a road trip, it just reacts to the light it’s exposed to.

Don’t Skip the Small Spots

It’s easy to remember your face and forget everything else, but sun damage often shows up first in the areas we overlook. The scalp, ears, back of the neck, and tops of the hands are all highly exposed and extremely vulnerable to UV damage. These areas are also where Dr. Kaplan frequently sees early signs of skin aging, and in some cases, skin cancer. Protecting your scalp is just as important as your skin. Use a spray sunscreen or powder along your part, apply SPF to the ears and neck, and don’t forget the hands, especially if you drive often. These small details make a big difference in long-term skin health.

Prevention Is the Best Anti-Aging Strategy

You can’t reverse sun damage once it’s happened, but you can prevent it. Daily sun protection is the most effective anti-aging step in your skincare routine, and it starts long before you apply your first serum. That’s why Dr. Kaplan created the Diamond Contour Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Complete Complexion Treatment, a 4-in-1 formula that hydrates, primes, perfects, and protects. It’s designed for daily wear, with advanced UVA/UVB defense and skin-enhancing actives that deliver real clinical results. As Dr. Kaplan says, “The best skin is the kind you never have to fix.”