The Truth About Daily Sunscreen
One simple bit of skincare advice that I give to all my patients: you must apply a daily SPF every day of the year. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays—as well as its infrared rays—are the Number 1 causes of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Just because you're not going to the beach or spending a lot of time outdoors, your skin still needs protection from the incidental rays that hit your skin throughout the day.
There are some additional tips, though, that I want to add about daily SPF:
1) You must reapply. Often daily moisturizers have an SPF in them, as do some makeup products. Most people think they can apply these products in the morning and be covered all day. That's simply not the case. You'll need to reapply SPF every two hours to stay covered all day, particularly if you've applied a lower SPF like 15 or 18. (I typically recommend a daily SPF of at least 30.)
2) Everyone needs daily sunscreen—no matter what your skin tone or color. So many of my darker-skinned patients tell me they don't need sunscreen because their skin is already dark. Nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone can get skin cancer and premature aging (dark hyperpigmentation spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and more) from daily exposure to the sun's rays.
3) Sun rays hit your skin on sunny—and cloudy (and rainy) days. Just because there are dark clouds and rain outside doesn't mean you can skip your daily SPF. UV rays can sneak through the clouds. This same advice holds true for snowy days, too, during the winter months.
4) You still need SPF if you're indoors, particularly if you're near windows. The sun's UV rays can penetrate glass—whether you're at home, in your office, or in your car. (Only glass that's been treated with UV protection can protect you from the sun's rays.) This is another good reason to make sure you have SPF on your face, neck, décolletage (if showing), and hands.
5) Look for an SPF with broad-spectrum protection. Most sunscreens these days offer protection against both the sun's UVA (aging and cancer-causing) and UVB (burning and cancer-causing) rays. Also apply an antioxidant serum or lotion under your sunscreen for additional protection.
So do your skin a favor and apply SPF every day of the year.
Stay safe & keep your skin healthy,
