Why should you wear sunscreen every day?

Applying sunscreen every day is not a common habit for most people. Indeed, for many, sun protection remains associated with summer vacations, beach days, or prolonged sun exposure. However, this habit of protecting your skin daily is one of the simplest, most effective, and most recommended practices by dermatologists to preserve skin health and prevent skin aging.

So, why is it crucial to apply sunscreen every day, even when the weather isn't sunny or you're indoors? We'll explain everything.

UV Rays: Present Everywhere, All the Time

We often tend to believe that the sun is only dangerous when it's very hot, during summer or at the beach. In reality, ultraviolet (UV) rays are present all year round, from morning to night, as long as there is natural light.

There are two main types of UV rays that affect our skin:

  • UVB rays, which cause sunburn, only penetrate the superficial layers of the skin.

  • UVA rays, much more insidious, penetrate deep into the dermis and are the main cause of premature skin aging.

👉 However, UVA rays can pass through clouds, windows, and even some thin clothing. This means your skin is exposed to invisible sun damage not only outdoors, but also indoors, at home, in the office, or in the car.

Why apply sunscreen every day, even in winter or on cloudy days?

Contrary to popular belief, gray or cold days are not UV-free days. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. This means that even if you don't feel the sun's warmth, your skin is still affected by it.

In winter, the situation is similar. Sunlight may be weaker, but UVA rays are constantly present, and they account for 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface.

📌 Key takeaway: It is therefore essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (against UVA and UVB) every day, not just on vacation or in summer.

Light Through Windows: An Invisible Enemy

Many people think it's unnecessary to wear sunscreen indoors. However, studies show that UVA rays pass through glass. This means that if you work near a window, you are exposed to the harmful effects of UV rays, even without leaving your home.

A famous study revealed the case of a 65-year-old woman showing significant photoaging on the left side of her face, the side exposed daily to the light from her office window. The right side, which was not exposed, was practically unharmed.

The same applies to cars: windshields filter on average only 96% of UVA rays, and side windows even less. This is why drivers often show more wrinkles, pigment spots, and even skin cancers on the side exposed to the sun through the window.

The Benefits of Daily Sunscreen Application

Using sun protection every day is one of the most powerful actions for:

🌞 1. Prevent premature skin aging

UV rays degrade collagen, elastin, and skin cells. The result: the appearance of wrinkles, skin sagging, brown spots, and loss of radiance.

✅ A study published in Dermatology showed that people who used sunscreen every day had 24% fewer signs of aging after just four years.

🧴 2. Reduce the risk of skin cancer

Melanoma and other types of skin cancers are strongly linked to prolonged UV exposure, even without visible sunburn. Applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, especially for people with fair skin.

💧 3. Improve skin texture and evenness of complexion

By protecting the skin from daily aggressions, we observe better cell regeneration, smoother skin texture, and a reduction in pigment spots. This makes the complexion more radiant and even.

When should you apply your sunscreen during the day?

It is recommended to apply your sunscreen in the morning, as the last step in your skincare routine, before makeup.

  • Apply it to your face, neck, décolletage, and all exposed areas (ears, hands, arms, depending on your outfit).

  • Remember to reapply every 2 hours in case of prolonged exposure, sweating, or swimming.

💡 Tip: Incorporate a moisturizer with SPF or a foundation with sun protection to save time.

What types of sunscreens should you use daily?

Here are some important criteria for choosing a good daily facial sunscreen:

✅ 1. Sufficient Protection Factor

  • Choose a minimum SPF 30 for effective daily protection.

  • For very fair skin or skin prone to spots: opt for an SPF 50+.

✅ 2. Broad-Spectrum Protection

Make sure your cream protects against UVA and UVB rays. This is often indicated on the label by “large spectre” or “broad spectrum”.

✅ 3. A Texture Suited to Your Skin Type

  • Oily skin: mattifying fluid or gel, non-comedogenic

  • Dry skin: moisturizing cream with UV filters

  • Sensitive skin: mineral filters, fragrance-free, alcohol-free

Should you wear sunscreen even if you wear makeup?

Yes, absolutely. Makeup alone is not enough to block UV rays. Some foundations contain an SPF, but this does not guarantee sufficient protection, especially if you don't apply the necessary amount.

👉 Ideally, apply a dedicated sunscreen before your makeup. You can also opt for SPF setting powders for touch-ups throughout the day.

What are the risks if you don't wear sunscreen every day?

Not using daily sun protection leads to cumulative consequences for the skin:

  • Premature appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

  • Loss of firmness

  • Hyperpigmentation (dark spots)

  • Increased risk of melanoma or carcinoma

  • Impaired skin barrier

Even if the effects are not immediately visible, UV-induced damage accumulates over time and eventually becomes apparent.

Common myths about sunscreen

❌ "I don't need it, I stay inside all day."

False. UVA rays pass through windows, and you're exposed to them without realizing it.

❌ "I have dark skin, I'm not afraid of anything."

False. Darker skins may be more resistant to sunburn, but they are not immune to sun damage or skin cancer.

❌ "I need the sun for vitamin D."

True, but just a few minutes of indirect exposure is enough to produce vitamin D. No need for unprotected exposure.

Conclusion: a simple gesture, a huge impact

Applying sunscreen every day is undoubtedly one of the best long-term investments you can make in your skin. This preventive measure protects against invisible sun damage, slows skin ageing and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

🌤️ Even if you don't feel the sun, it's there. Make daily sun protection as essential a habit as brushing your teeth. Your skin will thank you in 10, 20 or 30 years.

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