Sunscreen at the Beach: Your First Line of Defense (and Why Shade Matters Too)

September 14, 2025by Mike Mayleben

Few things compare to a perfect beach day—the sound of waves, warm sand underfoot, and sunshine overhead. But while the sun is what draws us to the shore, it’s also the biggest risk to your skin. That’s why protecting yourself with sunscreen (and smart shade) isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Why Sunscreen Is a Must

1. The sun is stronger than it looks.
Even on overcast days, up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin. Add reflections from water and sand, and your exposure skyrockets at the beach.

2. Sunburn is more than just uncomfortable.
That painful redness is your skin cells showing visible damage. Repeated burns can increase your risk of skin cancer and speed up skin aging.

3. It protects your long-term health.
The American Cancer Society estimates 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Regular sunscreen use significantly reduces that risk.

4. It keeps skin youthful.
UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots. Sunscreen helps preserve smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Sunscreen Tips for Beach Days

  • Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.

  • Use about a shot-glass amount for your body and reapply every two hours—or sooner if swimming or sweating.

  • Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like the back of your neck, ears, and tops of your feet.

Sunscreen + Shade: A Smarter Combo

Sunscreen is your first line of defense, but shade is your second. Together, they give your skin the best protection possible. That’s where a portable beach canopy like the RipShade 2.0 Wind Tunnel Beach Shade makes all the difference.

Unlike umbrellas that topple in strong winds, the RipShade is designed to move with the breeze, creating a quiet, stable shelter for 2–6 people. Pairing sunscreen with a canopy means:

  • Less time reapplying sunscreen as quickly.

  • A cooler, more comfortable spot to relax between swims.

  • Protection for the whole family, not just whoever remembered their sunscreen.

The Bottom Line

The beach should be about fun—not burns, not wrinkles, and definitely not long-term health risks. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your beach bag, and add shade for even stronger, smarter protection.

Bring the sunscreen. Bring the RipShade. Then enjoy your beach day the way it was meant to be—sun-safe and stress-free.

author avatar
Mike Mayleben
I've been camping and boating my entire life. My parents tent camped and we've always had a boat. I started water skiing when I was 4 and ended up skiing competitively for the University of Cincinnati. I've always enjoyed camping and excited to share the same type of experiences with my wife and two daughters.
author avatar
Mike Mayleben
I've been camping and boating my entire life. My parents tent camped and we've always had a boat. I started water skiing when I was 4 and ended up skiing competitively for the University of Cincinnati. I've always enjoyed camping and excited to share the same type of experiences with my wife and two daughters.
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