Do You Really Need Sunscreen Every Day

Applying sunscreen is the perfect way to maintain healthy skin and prevent premature aging. However, many people do not apply sunscreen properly or re-apply it as needed. Knowing which type of sunscreen to buy and how to apply it correctly are crucial for preventing skin cancer, which can occur due to excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.

Helpful Products You Might Like

Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Spray

Banana Boat Sport Ultra

Sunscreen Spray

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Stick for Skin

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Stick for Skin

"(Paid Links)" ▶ As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualifying purchases.

Should you wear sunscreen every day?

The short and perfect answer is: yes.
Sunscreen is useful for more than just carefree days spent on the boat or having fun at the beach. Anyone older than six months should use sun protection every day, advises the Skin Cancer Foundation. This is due to the fact that you are more exposed than you may realise to the sun's harmful rays.
Simply going about our daily activities exposes us to a lot of sunlight. When we're out and about, we frequently forget the time, run into friends at the grocery store, or find ourselves needing to spend longer outside than we anticipated, which could expose us to more sun than we had anticipated.

Should you wear sunscreen every day

What sunscreen should you buy?

For everyday activities, it's recommended to use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. If you'll be spending extended time outdoors, opt for a product with SPF 60 or higher. It's worth noting that many people don't apply sunscreen as generously as they should, so choosing a higher SPF can help account for this.

Sun Safety

Sun Safety

It's important to get some sun exposure to help your body produce vitamin D, which is important tial for calcium absorption and maintaining strong, healthy bones. However, it's crucial to protect your skin, eyes, and immune system from the potential damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

How much sunscreen do I need?

When applying sunscreen, it's important to use the right amount for adequate protection. For your face, neck, arms, and legs, you should aim for about 1 ounce of sunscreen, which is equivalent to filling your palm. For just your face and neck, a half teaspoon of sunscreen should suffice.

How much sunscreen do I need

Should sunscreen come before or after other products?

It's important to use sunscreen that is at least SPF 30, water-resistant, and broad-spectrum for effective sun protection. The order in which you apply your skincare products can vary based on personal preference. Some prefer applying products on bare skin, before adding makeup or moisturizer. It's important to find what works best for your routine. If you have specific concerns about layering products, It is best to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.

Some other ways to protect the skin

It's important to protect your skin from the sun, and experts suggest using multiple layers of protection. it is good to wear wide-brimmed hats and UPF clothing with a UPF of 50+ as one layer of protection. However, it's important to note that these measures do not eliminate the need for sunscreen. Sunscreen is still essential, especially when wearing UPF clothing, as it helps to block UV rays that are reflected off surfaces such as water or concrete. In addition to re-applying sunscreen every two hours, also follow these steps

  • avoid tanning beds
  • seek for shade
  • Protect yourself from direct sunrays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., It is the time when the sun’s rays are the strongest

Conclusion

It’s best to apply sunscreen every day.
Even under gloomy conditions, the sun's rays can still cause damage to skin because they are not skin tone-specific. According to research, exposure to the sun through a car window can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
If you are in the sun, look for an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours. Experts advise against using oil-based sunscreens on those with acne and recommend using mineral-based sunscreens instead because they offer wider spectrum protection.
Although UPF garments and other protective layers can also shield against UV damage, daily use of sunscreen is still necessary.

Scroll to Top