Myth or Fact: Should You Wear Sunscreen 365 Days a Year?

Have you ever been told to put on sunscreen before going outside even when it wasn't summer? You may be wondering if there are any benefits to wearing it year-round. Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can be present during any season, making proper sun protection essential 365 days a year. Sunscreen is more important to skincare than we may realize!

This article will explore the importance of sun protection, how to incorporate sunscreen into your daily skincare routine, and some of the best dermatologist-recommended sunscreens. Read on for plenty of useful tips and suggestions.

The Importance of Sun Protection

As summer quickly approaches, temperatures are starting to climb and we'll soon be spending more time outdoors. With increased sun exposure, protection from strong rays is crucial to prevent skin damage. While May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it's important to take necessary safety precautions throughout the year.

Additionally, anyone who uses chemical exfoliants and other intensive skincare products should wear sunscreen. These products can make your skin more sensitive. If you don't wear sunscreen while using these products, you may find that your skin is more susceptible to the negative side effects of UV exposure.

Thankfully, proper skin protection allows you to spend relaxing days basking in the sunshine and getting some vitamin D. Besides reducing cancer risk, sunscreen can also help prevent:

• Sunburn
• Age spots
• Wrinkling
• Sagging
• Broken blood vessels

How to Add Sunscreen to Skincare Routines

Wearing sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from UV exposure. While people typically don't think to wear sunblock beyond warmer seasons, applying it year-round can help you continually promote healthy skin. Even on cold and overcast days, know that your sunscreen can still make a considerable difference in your skin's health.

In this section, we'll explore some important ways to incorporate sunscreen into your regular skincare routine by answering some frequently asked questions. We hope these help address any questions or concerns you may have regarding sunscreen!

1. Should You Wear Sunscreen Every Day?

In short, yes — we recommend wearing sunscreen every day. The second you step outside on a sunny day, you're exposing your skin to harsh UV rays. Even when it's not sunny out, these rays can still penetrate clouds and reach your skin.

Those in high altitudes should be particularly cautious, as there's minimal atmosphere to absorb UV radiation. Over time, increased UV ray exposure may lead to sun damage, which can result in skin redness, swelling, blistering, uneven pigmentation, or skin cancer.

Wearing sunscreen daily serves as a safety precaution against this exposure. While this is especially important for those with more sensitive skin, everyone can benefit from this practice. As a bonus, some sunscreens contain moisturizing ingredients to help hydrate skin.

2. How Often Should You Wear Sunscreen?

Each day, try to apply a layer of sunscreen 30 minutes before you head outside. This allows it to bind to your skin thoroughly. Then, reapply it every two hours. If you swim or sweat from exercise, reapply it immediately after.

3. Should You Wear Sunscreen at Night?

Like makeup products, we don't recommend wearing sunscreen at night before you go to bed. This may clog your pores or dry out your skin overnight.

4. Should You Wear Sunscreen Indoors?

Typically, you don't need to wear sunscreen indoors since there's a low risk for UV exposure. However, if you're sitting near an open window with direct sunlight for a long period, you may want to consider applying a light layer.

5. Can You Skip Moisturizer and Use Sunscreen?

We don't recommend replacing your moisturizer with sunscreen. Moisturizers are important for skin hydration and exfoliation. When you wash your face in the morning, be sure to apply your moisturizer before your sunscreen. Unless your moisturizer includes SPF, it's better to apply them in two separate steps rather than mix them together.

Generally, sunscreen should be the final skincare product you apply before makeup.

Best Dermatologist-Recommended Sunscreens

Like any other skincare product, it's important to consider your skin type when choosing a sunscreen. Let's look at some of the best dermatologist-recommended sunscreens for different skin types.

EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Tinted: With its subtle matte finish and slight tint, this SPF 41 sunscreen is great for oily skin. It also includes antioxidants to help manage the impact of free radicals. The iron oxides in this sunscreen help protect against damaging blue light from electronic devices.

PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45: This tinted SPF 45 is great for dry types due to its moisturizing properties. Ideal for nearly all skin tones, it allows for an ultra-smooth application and sheer tint without leaving a white cast. It contains the antioxidant ubiquinone, and it can serve as a primer under foundation or as a standalone.

EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Untinted: This SPF 44 is excellent for dry skin, leaving a nice dewy finish. If you don’t like a shiny appearance, you may not prefer this one. But if you'd like to achieve a nice glow, this product is for you. It contains hyaluronic acid and has a bit more coverage than some other tinted sunscreens. The non-tinted version of this SPF — EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44— is also a fantastic physical SPF for dry types.

Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical SPF 45: This SPF 45 soothes the skin and is great if you're looking for optimal coverage. If you’re a frequent makeup wearer or you have dry skin, you’ll probably like this one.

EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50: This sunscreen is great for swimmers, skiers, runners, golfers and other athletes or for those who just love to be outdoors. This SPF is water-resistant, fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free and noncomedogenic. 

Once you find a sunscreen you love, you'll likely be more motivated to wear it every day. Consider trying out one or more of these products to find the perfect one for your skin type.

Protect Your Skin With Exclusive Beauty Club

At Exclusive Beauty Club, we're committed to providing you with quality skincare products to help you achieve the best results. No matter the type of product you're looking for, we have something to suit your skin's unique needs.

Ensure proper protection from the harsh rays by purchasing one of our dermatologist-recommended sunscreens! Browse our selection of suncare products to find the right one for you.

For any questions regarding our sunscreens or other skincare products, please contact us at any time!