Do You *Actually* Have to Wear Sunscreen Every Day? We Find out
Main Image – Image – Anneleven/Adobe
It’s the billion-dollar question. Sunscreen, really? Every day? As in, 365 days in a row, and then you start all over again?
Contrary to what you might believe, UV rays are powerful and harmful all year round. So only applying sunscreen in the height of summer might not be quite enough.
Here, Jessica Kerr, founder of Skin Botanist tells us once and for all if the notion of wearing sunscreen every day is a bit OTT, or very much needed.
Why do we need sunscreen?
“Sunscreen is your first line of defence against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays,” Kerr explains. “UV radiation significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, making sunscreen essential not just for aesthetics but for your overall health.”
Why are UV rays and what makes them so harmful to the skin?
According to Kerr, UV rays are responsible for 90% of things like wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. “UV rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun, classified into UVA, UVB, and UVC rays,” she says.
Ok, UV what?! “UVC rays are blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere, but UVA and UVB rays penetrate deeply into the skin.” So what’s the difference? “UVA rays are primarily responsible for premature aging, as they reach the deeper layers of the dermis and break down collagen and elastin, leading to sagging and fine lines,” she explains.
“UVB rays, on the other hand, affect the outermost layer of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn. Both types of rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, potentially leading to mutations and the development of skin cancers such as melanoma.”
Image – J Maas/peopleimages.com/Adobe
When should you wear sunscreen during the summer?
Believe it or not, Kerr says that even if you’re covered up with long-sleeved clothing during the summer, sunscreen should still be worn. “In summer, UV radiation is more intense, so wearing sunscreen on all exposed areas is crucial,” she explains.
“Even areas covered by thin or loosely woven clothing can still be affected by UV rays, as certain fabrics do not provide complete protection. Applying sunscreen under clothing ensures comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.”
And what about if you’re spending the day indoors? “Sunscreen is still necessary – especially on areas of the body exposed through windows,” she says. “UVA rays can penetrate through glass, so even indirect exposure during your commute or near a window can contribute to skin damage over time. So, sunscreen is vital even if you’re not planning to spend extended time outdoors.”
Kerr’s application tips are simple. “Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors to ensure optimal protection.”
Do you still need to wear sunscreen on your face during the winter?
You may think that surely if there is no heat from the sun during the winter, then we don’t need to be strict about protecting our skin – right? “This is a common misconception,” Kerr says.
“While it might not feel as hot, UV radiation remains strong throughout the year. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, so even on overcast days, your skin is still vulnerable. The intensity of UVA rays remains fairly constant all year round, contributing to skin aging and damage, regardless of the temperature. Winter activities, such as skiing or snowboarding, can increase exposure since snow can reflect up to 90% of UV rays, amplifying their impact.”
Image – Lea/Adobe
Do you have to wear SPF on your body during the winter?
“If any part of your body is exposed to the elements, sunscreen is necessary,” Kerr warns. “While you may not need to apply it under thick clothing, it’s crucial to protect areas like your face, neck, ears, and hands.”
The takeaway
So do you have to wear sunscreen every single day? Yes. “Wearing sunscreen every day is crucial for both health and beauty,” Kerr concludes. “Consistent use of sunscreen not only minimises your risk of skin cancer but also prevents premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and other UV-induced skin issues.”
And if that isn’t enough to convince you, Kerr’s final thought is pretty powerful. “Think of sunscreen as your daily armour against visible and invisible damage,” she says. “It’s a small step with a significant impact on your skin’s future.”
Meet the expert
Jessica Kerr is the founder of Skin Botanist, a 100% natural skincare brand handcrafted in Australia.
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