Should You Wear Sunscreen Everyday? Yes, Here’s Why

By: Margaux Reese
January 23, 2024

If you’re wondering why you should wear sunscreen every day, you’ve come to the right place. Sunscreen is the unsung hero of your daily skincare routine, quietly protecting your skin. It’s not just for days lounging by the pool or beach vacations—you should be wearing sunscreen every single day.

That means rain or shine, winter, spring, summer, or fall.

The main benefit of wearing sunscreen daily is protection. Not only does sunscreen help prevent painful sunburns, but it’s also an essential safeguard against skin cancer and skin damage.

Keep reading to learn more about why you should wear sunscreen every day, along with how to properly wear it for adequate protection. Making sunscreen a core part of your daily routine is the best way to practice safe sun exposure and maintain healthy, glowing skin.

Should You Wear Sunscreen Everyday?

Absolutely! Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the most effective ways to shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. While this is a universal truth, according to the HealthCanal 2023 survey, less than half of adults said they were “extremely aware” of the harmful effects of UV.

Negative effects of UV rays include:

  • Sunburns
  • Premature aging
  • Increased risk of skin cancer

Before going outside, always check the UV index to see how high the UV radiation is for the day, and put on your sunscreen. While any sunscreen is better than none, we suggest a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection.

Try Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 for a liquid formula or Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 for a mineral powder.

Do Most People Wear Sunscreen Every Day?

Image of a cloudy sky with text overlaid that reads, “Sunscreen Use by Season: 16% of adults said they always wore sunscreen on cloudy summer days; 20% reported always wearing sunscreen in the spring; 13% said they wore sunscreen in the fall”.

While many people are told to wear sunscreen every day from a young age, most people don’t actually use it daily.

This is even true in warmer seasons, like summer, when people are outdoors and exposed to the sun more than usual. In a recent survey, only 16% of adults reported consistent use of sunscreen during the summer.

The percentage of people who wear sunscreen every day remains low throughout the seasons, with less than 20% of adults surveyed wearing sunscreen in the spring and a mere 13% in the fall.

Even when it’s cloudy or overcast, UV rays can still cause skin damage. While clouds block some, over 90% of UV rays can still pass through the clouds and cause sunburns. No matter the weather or the season, you need to consider skin protection.

It’s also important to note that everybody is susceptible to the risks of sun exposure. You should be especially careful if:

  • Your skin burns easily, and you have a history of sunburn
  • You have a lighter skin tone
  • A personal or family history of skin cancer

3 Reasons You Should Wear Sunscreen Everyday

Why wear sunscreen every day? Wearing sunscreen every day improves your health, keeps your skin youthful, and prevents discomfort.

Graphic titled, “Effects of Sun Exposure” and four images depicting: sun cancer, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and sunburn.

The effects of not wearing sunscreen range from minor burns to serious health risks. Let’s get a little more in-depth about why it’s so essential:

Your Health

Wearing sunscreen is a vital aspect of safeguarding your overall health. Consistent use of sunscreen helps protect you against life-threatening skin cancer, including melanoma, which is something everyone should be cautious of. Approximately 98,000 new cases of melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, were expected to be diagnosed in 2023 alone.

By minimizing your risk of sunburn, you can also help safeguard against skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.

Keeping Your Skin Youthful

Brunette woman in a robe smiling and looking at her reflection in a circular mirror.

Promoting youthful skin is about more than just appearances. It’s a testament to your skin’s overall health. Prolonged sun exposure can contribute to premature aging, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and a loss of skin elasticity.

UV rays can break down collagen and elastin, both of which are essential proteins contributing to skin firmness and structure. By preventing this degradation, sunscreen helps keep skin supple and less prone to wrinkles and fine lines.

Luckily, it’s as easy as wearing sunscreen over makeup to preserve your skin’s natural youthful glow. For instance, the Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 replaces your foundation, while nourishing and hydrating thanks to advanced antioxidants and providing all-mineral SPF50 protection.

Preventing Discomfort

Nobody loves a burnt, red face. Not only can it make you feel self-conscious, but it can also cause discomfort and pain. A 2023 survey found that 10% of respondents said they always experience some redness after sun exposure, with 5% experiencing blisters and 8% feeling a burning sensation due to sun exposure.

Common side effects of sunburn include:

  • Redness
  • Inflammation
  • Blistering

Some people even suffer from sun allergies, resulting in rashes, itching, and swelling.

How Do You Properly Wear Sunscreen?

Graphic with a gray background and teal text that reads, “Your Sun Protection Checklist: Apply sunscreen every 2 hours; Cover all exposed skin; Apply evenly; Wear protective clothing; Sit in the shade; Avoid the sun during peak hours”.

We know you should be applying sunscreen every day, but what’s the right way to do it? Proper sunscreen use is vital for effectively protecting your skin, but many people fail to apply sunscreen properly. The reasons for improper or lack of sunscreen application may vary.

For some, it’s because they’re under the misconception that wearing sunscreen will prevent them from achieving that golden glow they hope for. In fact, in a 2023 survey, 36% of respondents said a tan is a primary driver for sun exposure.

However, it’s important to emphasize that you can still get a tan while wearing sunscreen and protect your skin at the same time. Don’t forgo sunscreen in favor of getting color.

Here are the key steps to follow for proper sunscreen application:

  1. Apply generously and use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin.

  2. Choose the right sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays like Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50.

  3. Reapply at least every two hours. If you’re swimming or sweating a lot, reapply at least every 80 minutes.

  4. Don’t forget hard-to-reach areas like your ears, the back of the neck, the tops of your feet, and your lips.

  5. Take time to spread sunscreen evenly for consistent coverage.

Following these simple steps will help you better protect yourself from sun damage. Even when you’re looking to get a tan, use sunscreen so you avoid burns and minimize health risks. Proper sunscreen use will help keep your skin youthful and glowing.

How Else Can You Prepare for Going Out in the Sun?

Before heading out in the sun, take proactive measures to protect your skin. Beyond sunscreen, there are several ways you can protect yourself and preserve skin health. Here are some other ways to prepare for going out in the sun:

  • Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
  • Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours and periods with a high UV index.
  • Use umbrellas or sun shelters when spending long periods outdoors.
  • Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
  • Check your skin regularly for any changes or unusual spots, and seek medical advice if concerned.

These measures, in combination with daily sunscreen use, prepare you to enjoy beautiful, sunny weather without being worried about sun damage. Step outside with confidence, knowing that you’re protecting your skin not only today but for years to come.

Image of Asian woman wearing a straw hat with sunscreen on her shoulder.

Key Takeaways: Why Should You Wear Sunscreen Everyday?

One of the best forms of self-care is protecting your skin. The more you know about why you should wear sunscreen every day, the better you can improve your skin health and improve your daily routine.

Let’s review the key takeaways:

  • Is it good to wear sunscreen every day? Yes! Daily sunscreen use helps protect skin against harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
  • It’s best to use a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Try Total Protection™ No-Show™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.
  • Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours. You’ll want to do it more frequently–every 80 minutes or less–when swimming or sweating.
  • Sunscreen is just one part of sun protection. Commit yourself to best practices such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and hats, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure during peak hours.

Protect Your Skin & Health with Everyday Sunscreen

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and essential to your health and well-being; that’s why it’s so important to take care of it. The first step is developing a daily habit of sunscreen application. Wearing sunscreen is a proactive measure against skin damage, premature aging, and the potential risks of skin cancer.

The key to effective sunscreen use is incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher into your routine. If you’re looking for a sunscreen to add to your collection, try Colorscience mineral sunscreen.

Whether you want something that’s easy to apply on the go and over makeup like our Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 or prefer liquid formulas like Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50, we have you covered.

Experience elevated skincare with gentle yet powerful, non-chemical sunscreen that provides added defense against environmental stressors.