A Quick Note on Sunscreen in West Texas
Updated: 3 days ago
A quick reminder for anyone living in West Texas: daily sunscreen matters more here than most places.
Lubbock and the surrounding region see some of the highest UV indices in the country for stretches of every year. That exposure adds up — sun spots, broken capillaries, melasma, fine lines, and accelerated skin aging are all driven by UV. Even on overcast days, even when you're "just running errands," even in winter, UV reaches the skin.
A medical-grade sunscreen makes a noticeable difference compared to drugstore options. The actives are higher quality, the formulations don't break down as quickly, and the texture is built to wear under makeup or alone. At The Spa by Sheena, we keep two SkinBetter Science sunscreens in steady rotation:
SBS SHEER SPF 56 — the everyday option, lightweight enough to wear daily, works under makeup.
SBS Tone Smart SPF 75 — the tinted option, also targets pigmentation. Best for patients managing melasma or sun damage.
A few things worth knowing about sunscreen in general:
Reapply every two hours when you're outdoors. SPF doesn't last all day, no matter what the bottle implies.
Apply enough. Most people use about a quarter of what they should. A nickel-sized amount for the face, not a pea.
Year-round, not just summer. West Texas UV doesn't take winters off.
The Spa by Sheena carries both SkinBetter Science sunscreens in-spa. If you've been meaning to upgrade your sunscreen, this is the reminder.
Common Questions About Sunscreen in West Texas
What SPF do I actually need?
SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum, water resistant. That is the American Academy of Dermatology standard, and SPF 30 filters roughly 97% of UVB. Higher numbers filter slightly more, but no sunscreen blocks everything, and a higher SPF does not stay on your skin any longer than a lower one. Both SkinBetter sunscreens we carry clear that bar, so the number is not the reason to choose between them.
How much am I supposed to use?
More than most people do. The AAD figure is about one ounce for the whole body, roughly a shot glass, and at least a teaspoon for the face and neck, about the length of your index and middle fingers. Most people apply a fraction of that, which quietly turns an SPF 50 into something far lower in practice. Under-application is the most common sunscreen mistake there is.
Do I really need it on cloudy days?
Yes. According to the EPA, broken cloud still transmits about 73% of UV, and even fully overcast sky transmits about 31%. Cloud cover changes how the day feels, not how much ultraviolet reaches your skin.
Does our elevation make a difference?
Some, though less than people assume. UV intensity rises about 6% per kilometer of elevation, and Lubbock sits near 3,200 feet, just under a kilometer. The larger drivers here are latitude, season, and time of day. The EPA's shadow rule is the practical test: when your shadow is shorter than you are, UV is at its strongest.
I am indoors most of the day. Do I still need it?
If you sit near a window or spend time driving, yes. Ordinary window glass filters out most UVB but lets UVA through, and UVA is what drives dark spots and wrinkles. This is the exposure people most often overlook, and it is a common reason melasma refuses to settle despite good treatment.
Will daily sunscreen leave me short on vitamin D?
The AAD's position is to get vitamin D from diet and supplements rather than deliberate sun exposure, so this is not a trade you have to make. If you are concerned about your level, that is a lab question for your physician rather than a reason to skip sunscreen.
Book your consultation or call (806) 701-5840.
The Spa by Sheena
8713 Milwaukee Ave #200
Lubbock, TX 79424
By Sheena Klos,
Founder · CIDESCO Certified
Master Medical Esthetician
The Spa by Sheena is a medical day spa serving Lubbock and the South Plains region of West Texas. All neurotoxin treatments are administered under the supervision of our medical director by our licensed clinical team.
