Here’s Why You Need to Wear Sunscreen Year-Round (Yes, Rain or Shine!)
Whether it’s our parents, our dermatologist, or the IPSY blog (guilty!), we’ve heard it all when it comes to the importance of wearing—and reapplying—daily sunscreen at the beach or pool to avoid the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Is it just us, or are the words melanoma, premature aging, skin damage, photoaging, skin aging, skin health, and age spots etched in our minds forever? In fact, we’ve even started applying SPF to our arms and hands when driving to prevent the effects of UVA rays and UVB rays. In case you need to be reminded of the benefits of sunscreen use and the risks of sun exposure: “Sunscreen is a topical product that protects the skin from the damaging effects of chronic sun damage,” says dermatologist Nicole Lee, MD. “This is by containing ingredients that absorb or reflect these harmful UV rays.”
But more than just use by the pool, on vacation, or during summer months, you should actually be wearing water-resistant sunscreen every day—even on the snowy slopes or on overcast, cloudy days. If you’re not convinced, our dermatologist experts are here to break down why you should wear sunscreen year round, no matter the weather or what seems to be the intensity of the sun’s rays.
Meet the Expert
Nicole Lee, MD, MPH, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology in Garden City, NY.
Noreen Galaria, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of INNER GLOW nutraceutical vitamins.
Why You Need to Wear Sunscreen Year Round
What people don’t realize is sun protection isn’t necessarily about a major sunburn. “Chronic unprotected UV exposure accumulates overtime, resulting in an increased risk for skin cancers and permanent bronzing or uneven skin pigmentation,” says Dr. Lee. “It also accelerates collagen degradation, which can create a leathery texture to the skin, persistent skin inflammation, and wrinkles, and it can worsen skin laxity.”
The development of skin cancer risk is no joke, and your exposed skin should always be protected, regardless of your skin type or lack of skin conditions. Plus, it should go without saying, but if you suffer from rosacea or other sensitive skin issues, you should make daily application an even greater priority.
Below, dermatologist Noreen Galaria, MD, breaks down the key reasons to wear sunscreen year round:
Sunscreen prevents sunburn.
Skin cancer is now the number one cancer in America and worldwide. Wearing sunscreen year round decreases your cancer risk.
Year-round sunscreen protects against UV radiation, and if you choose a tinted sunscreen, it also protects against the blue light from your phone.
It maintains an even skin tone (while preventing melasma, patchy coloration, and brown spots).
Sunscreen protects against heat rash and sun allergies.
It protects healing skin, which is critical if you have any scars or recent skin procedures.
Year-Round SPF…Really? Even in the Winter?
Short answer: Yes, really! Long answer: Not all sunscreen is created equal, so Dr. Galaria points out that you can use a lighter SPF for everyday wear (but yes, you still need an SPF for everyday wear). “I always tell my patients there is ‘beach’ sunscreen and then there is daily-use sunscreen,” she says. “As long as there is any light outside (the sun hasn’t set yet), aging UV rays are still present. Even if you’re inside all day, the light that comes through your car or office window, the blue light from your screens and small bits of outdoor activity add up over time to age and can damage your skin. But this doesn’t mean you have to pick up a super heavy, goopy sunscreen for the winter months. It’s fine to opt for a moisturizer with an SPF 30 (minimum) that has a lighter feel and can be used instead of your regular moisturizer in the daytime.”
Expert Tips for Easier Year-Round Sun Protection
1. Opt for Second-Skin Formulas
Remember, protection doesn’t have to be a pain in the you-know-what. With so many sunscreen formulas to choose from, you can opt for a sleek consistency that still blocks the sun. “I’ve always preferred elegant formulations that don’t feel sticky or have an odor to it,” says Dr. Lee. “I don't want to go around smelling like sunscreen, and neither do my patients.”
When we’re seeking a sleek and chic formula we’re excited to wear year-round, we tend to opt for the KATE SOMERVILLE Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. This 100% mineral sunscreen helps absorb harmful UV rays that contribute to sun damage and premature aging. It also helps protect from blue light, which can cause wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
2. Do Your Research
Sunblock is no longer limited to the Banana Boat our parents knew and loved way back when. We now have an array of sunscreens with varying formulations, SPFs, and shades to choose from. Don’t be afraid to experiment and sample until you find what’s right for you.
“I always say that the best sunscreens are the ones that you want to use,” says Dr. Lee. “Even though there’s so much out there on what might be the best for this or that, the ‘best’ is still the one that you’re willing to use. So find something that you like and put it on every morning. Your skin will thank you.”
If we’re doing a chill day on the water, part of what goes into our decision-making is a tinted formula. We don’t necessarily want a full face of makeup, but we’d like a hint of shade.
3. Check the Daily UV Index Before Application
No matter what, you should always apply sunscreen, but if the daily UV index is low, you don’t have to apply as high of an SPF (although SPF 30 minimum is always a good rule of thumb). “If the UV rays are higher than six out of 10, you’ll need greater protection,” says Dr. Galaria. “This year is slated to be one of the hottest years in history, so unfortunately we’re seeing more days when the UV index is hitting higher numbers. In some cases, even 11+ out of 10!”
For those extra hot days, we personally reach for the GLOW RECIPE Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50. We love the lightweight consistency and the added skin-loving nutrients, like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and aloe that help even the appearance of your complexion over time.
4. Wear Sun Protective (UPF) Clothing
While staying covered up is one way to prevent sunburn, you can take your protection to the next level by implementing actual sun protective clothing into your wardrobe. Specifically designed with purpose, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) products are produced from a fabric rated for its level of ultraviolet protection. We’re especially big fans of the SOLBARI Ultra Wide Cotton Linen Hat UPF50+, and the multifunctional ECLISSE BEAUTY Merrick Scarf. Who says protection can’t be posh?