Why Sunscreen is the Most Important Product in Your Daily Routine.

Sunscreen is for more than just the summer. Even when you don’t see it, the sun is there. It might be lingering behind the clouds, but its UV radiation is still hitting your skin. While the sun can give you a serotonin boost and improve your mood, it’s the last thing you want for your skin. Your sunscreen is the most important product that you use every day. The reality is that most people underestimate the importance of sunscreen – to the detriment of their skin.

SPF and sunscreen protect your skin from premature ageing, boosting your skin’s natural protective barrier to keep your skin protected. Your sunscreen is non-negotiable. It’s just as important as using shampoo and deodorant. If there’s one product that you should put on your face every day, it’s sunscreen.

If you visit a dermatologist, their number one recommendation is to always use SPF. Read on to find out more about sunscreen, how to incorporate it into your routine, and why it’s essential to your overall health.

Why do you need to use a daily SPF?

The secret to looking after your skin has always been to use sunscreen. It’s not a product that’s only for the summer months. It’s something you need to use 365 days a year. Although there are dozens of formulas and sunscreen types to choose from, the ‘best’ SPF is the one that you’ll use every day.

Although the sun gives your skin a serotonin boost and the benefit of vitamin D, it causes short and long-term problems for your skin. 

The sun’s UV radiation wreaks havoc on your skin and can cause problems that are irreversible or expensive to treat. Hyperpigmentation, scarring, and premature wrinkles are common consequences of spending too long in the sun. Continued exposure to UV rays without sunscreen can lead to permanent premature ageing, including skin sagging.

One of the worst effects of sun exposure is the damage it does to your collagen and elastin production. Such damage can be irreversible and may require expensive treatments to repair. Most people use their skincare routine to prevent premature ageing, but the best way to protect your skin is to use sunscreen.

Premature ageing isn’t the only skin-related concern to think about. The sun’s UV rays can lead to sunspots – also known as age spots. These blemishes are caused by hyperpigmentation and result in an uneven skin tone. You can find them everywhere, from your arms to your face and back.

Sunburn is the obvious reason that most of us use sunscreen. No one wants to deal with the physical pain of a sunburn. Without sunscreen, you’re leaving yourself open to sunspots and a burn. Every time your skin is sunburnt, it increases your risk of contracting skin cancer, with each burn taking several days to heal.

The health benefits of using SPF

Sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself from skin cancer. Both dermatologists and medical professionals recommend using a daily SPF to protect against sun damage. Applying sunscreen every day has been proven to reduce your melanoma risk by 50%. It will only take you a minute to apply sunscreen every morning, but it might just save your life.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that you wear at least an SPF 15 every day. They also recommend that you reapply your sunscreen after sweating, including after exercising or swimming. If you have a shower in the middle of the day, you’ll also want to reapply your sunscreen. They officially recommend that  everyone aged 6 months and older should be wearing sunscreen.

Using a daily sunscreen can also avoid broken blood vessels. Telangiectasis is a condition caused when UV radiation damages the blood vessel walls, causing them to become thinner. This condition can lead to your skin appearing bruised or even bleeding in extreme cases.

How to incorporate SPF into your daily routine

A dermatologist will typically recommend that your sunscreen should offer at least SPF30 protection. Even during the winter, you want to ensure that your skin is being protected to this level. When the temperatures start to rise – or if you’re jetting off somewhere warm – swap out to SPF50. It’s usually best to go for a higher than lower SPF.

Your skincare routine is inefficient without sunscreen. You’ll be taking one step forward, only to take two steps back. Whether you’re a fan of skinimalism or have a 20-step K-beauty skincare routine, your sunscreen will always be the most important step.

All you need is a teaspoon of sunscreen. It’ll cover everywhere from your decolletage upwards. You will want to use a separate SPF for your lips, which is the most delicate part of your face.

You want to be using sunscreen as the final step of your morning skincare routine. If you feel like you’re using too many products or that your skin is becoming greasy, you can skip moisturizer for sunscreen. Most sunscreens have a naturally hydrating formula that will nourish our skin and keep it protected. When you get to your night-time routine, you can add your moisturizer back in as an overnight treatment.

The golden rule for using sunscreen is that it doesn’t last all day. Just like you reapply your lipstick, you need to reapply your sunscreen. During warmer days, your sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2-3 hours.

It’s also worth considering how you remove your sunscreen at the end of the day. Sunscreen has a heavier consistency than other creams, which can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. It’s a good idea to double cleanse and help break down your sunscreen and unclog your pores to prevent irritation.

Most of us are guilty of hoarding our sunscreen from one year to the next, especially if you only use it during summer. Just like your beauty products, sunscreen has an expiration date. If you don’t see one, it’s usually within 3 years of production. If you live in a hotter climate, this shelf life will be shorter.

How do you incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine? What products do you use? Let us know in the comments below!