Spoiler: The answer is yes. We answer some common myths, questions about everyday use, and why sunscreen is always needed.
On the days that aren’t warm and the sun is hiding, is it OK to skip sunscreen? What about on a cloudier, cooler day, or one where your time outside will be limited?
Let’s dive into the specifics of SPF.
Applying sunscreen to sun-exposed areas daily is essential, not excessive.
“The sun’s UV rays are potent, and just 15 minutes outside is enough exposure to cause damage and potentially skin cancer long term,” said Jessica “Nikki” Dietert, MD, a board certified dermatologist and board certified and fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon with Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
You don’t simply get exposed to the sun outside. An
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Dietert says cancers caused by sun exposure can be aggressive and fatal if left untreated. But prevention is the best medicine.
“Applying sunscreen to your face, neck, chest, ears, hands, and arms daily is recommended to prevent long-term damage from the sun,” Dietert said.
Applying SPF each morning should be part of your skin care routine.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends finding a sunscreen that is:
- SPF 30+
- broad spectrum, which protects against UVA and UVB rays
- water resistant
There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical, which filter UV light, and physical (mineral-based), which block UV light.
“[Mineral-based sunscreens] generally protect your skin from a broader spectrum of UV light,” Dietert said. “For this reason, finding a sunscreen with mineral ingredients is ideal.”
Dietert adds that these mineral-based sunscreens may be particularly helpful for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin because they’re less likely to cause irritation and skin allergies.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two common ingredients in mineral sunscreens. Dietert recommends people with acne-prone skin look for sunscreen with niacinamide and avoid oil-based ones that can exacerbate the condition.
Protection against skin cancer is a commonly cited reason for applying sunscreen daily, and for good reason. A
But the review and dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD, point to other benefits, including:
- delaying signs of aging, like wrinkles
- fading scars
- Preventing discoloration
- Protecting from blue light
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Recently, people have become more interested in the blue light that emanates from electronics like tablets and iPhones.
Another 2022 study says that blue light makes up only a tiny portion of our UV-light exposure, less than 5%. However, long-term exposure to LED light could increase risk factors for hyperpigmentation.
The myth that people of color don’t need sunscreen is damaging.
The authors suggested that a lack of education about the risks of sun damage in these populations was a reason. Later diagnosis is also a factor.
Dietert agrees, advising everyone to apply sunscreen daily, regardless of skin tone.
“Lighter skin tones are at higher risk for skin cancer,” Dietert said. “However, with enough UV exposure, all skin types can develop skin cancer.”
UV exposure can also lead to aging in all populations.
Sun exposure and certain foods naturally help people get vitamin D, which is essential for bone formation. The myth that sunscreen makes an individual Vitamin D deficient?
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If you’re concerned about Vitamin D due to an existing deficiency, there are options to supplement without putting your skin at risk.
After speaking with your doctor, you could take your pick of over-the-counter oral Vitamin D supplements. You could also increase your natural intake through food, like salmon and egg yolks.
For melanated skin
While there are many sunscreen options at varying price points, the unpleasant white cast that often comes with sunscreen may be a concern for folks with melanated skin.
Brands like Supergoop are known for their lack of the dreaded white cast, as well as brands created by and for individuals with darker skin tones, like Black Girl Sunscreen.
What about makeup products with SPF?
Some makeup contains low SPF, but it may not be enough for protection. Using a moisturizer with SPF of 30+ or an SPF over your moisturizer, and letting that sink in
SPF is important, but experts say it’s best to approach sun protection with multiple layers. Dietert suggests wearing wide-brimmed hats and sun-protective or “UPF” clothing with a UPF of 50+.
But again, these measures are a layer and do not negate the need for sunscreen.
“Sunscreen is still important, even when wearing UPF clothing, to screen UV rays reflected off surfaces like water or concrete,” Dietert said.
In addition to re-applying sunscreen every 2 hours, the AAD also recommends:
- avoiding tanning beds
- seeking shade
- being particularly mindful between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m, when the sun’s rays are the strongest
It’s essential to apply sunscreen every day.
The sun’s rays can still damage the skin when it’s cloudy, and it does not discriminate based on skin tone. Research suggests that even sun exposure through a car window can up the risk for skin cancer.
Look for an SPF of 30+ and reapply every 2 hours if you’re in the sun. Experts say a mineral-based sunscreen is ideal because it protects against a broader spectrum, and individuals with acne should avoid oil-based products.
Other layers of protection, such as UPF clothing, can also help protect against sun damage, but they don’t negate the need to wear sunscreen every day.
If you feel deterred by high price points or that pesky white cast, don’t fret — there are tons of options (including some available at drugstores) that have the minerals and SPF that your skin needs to stay healthy.