Why do I need to wear sunscreen every day?

Why do I need to wear sunscreen every day?

Applying sunscreen every day is not a reflex for most people. Indeed, for many, sun protection remains associated with summer vacations, days at the beach or prolonged exposure to the sun. Yet the habit of protecting your skin on a daily basis is one of the simplest, most effective and most dermatologist-recommended ways of preserving skin health and preventing skin ageing.

So why is it crucial to wear sunscreen every day, even when the weather's not great or when you're staying indoors? We explain.

UV rays: everywhere, all the time

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

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

  • UVB rays, responsible for sunburn, only penetrate the superficial layers of the skin.

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

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

Why wear 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 penetrate clouds. This means that even if you don't feel the sun's heat, your skin is still affected.

In winter, the situation is similar. Sunlight may be weaker, but UVA rays are always present, accounting for 95% of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

📌 To remember: So it's 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 there's no point in wearing sunscreen indoors. But studies show that UVA rays penetrate glass. This means that if you work near a window, you're exposed to the harmful effects of UV rays, even if you don't leave the house.

A famous study revealed the case of a 65-year-old woman with severe photoaging on the left side of her face, the side exposed daily to the light from her office window. The unexposed right side was virtually unaffected.

The same goes for cars: on average, windscreens filter out only 96% of UVA rays, and side windows even less. As a result, drivers often develop more wrinkles, pigment spots and even skin cancer on the side exposed to sunlight through the window.

The benefits of daily sunscreen application

Using sunscreen every day is one of the most powerful ways to :

🌞 1. Prevent premature aging of the skin

UV rays break down collagen,elastin and skin cells. The result: wrinkles, sagging skin, dark spots and loss of radiance.

✅ A study published in Dermatology showed that people using 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 cancer 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 in fair-skinned people.

💧 3. Improve the texture and evenness of the complexion

By protecting the skin from daily aggressions, we see improved cell regeneration, smoother skin texture and a reduction in pigmentation spots. The result is a more radiant, even complexion.

When should you apply sunscreen?

We recommend applying sunscreen in the morning, as the last step in your skincare routine, before applying make-up.

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

  • Remember to reapply every 2 hours in the event of prolonged exposure, perspiration or swimming.

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

What types of sunscreen should I use every day?

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

✅ 1. Sufficient protection

  • Choose a minimum SPF 30 for effective daily protection.

  • For very fair skin or skin prone to blemishes: choose SPF 50+.

✅ 2. Broad-spectrum protection

Make sure your cream protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is often indicated on the label by "broadspectrum".

✅ 3. A texture adapted to your skin type

  • Oily skin: non-comedogenic mattifying fluid or gel

  • Dry skin: moisturizing cream with UV filters

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

Should I wear sunscreen even if I'm wearing make-up?

Yes, absolutely. Make-up isn't enough to block UV rays. Some foundations contain an SPF, but this doesn't guarantee sufficient protection, especially if you don't apply the right amount.

👉 Ideally, apply a real sun cream before your make-up. You can also opt for SPF sun powders for touch-ups during the day.

What are the risks of not wearing sunscreen every day?

Not using sun protection on a daily basis has cumulative consequences for the skin:

  • Early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

  • Loss of firmness

  • Hyperpigmentation (brown 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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