Should You Wear Sunscreen Every Day? Experts say Yes
Updated june 07,2025
Applying sunscreen daily to sun-exposed skin is not excessive; it’s essential,dermatologists say. Even brief sun exposure can cause lasting damage and increase skin cancer risk.
Dr. Jessica ”Nikki” Dietert, a Mohs surgeon with Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, said as little as 15 minutes of sun can be harmful. A 2010 study suggested that more skin cancers occur on teh left side of men, likely from sun exposure while driving. While windshields block most UVA rays, side windows may offer less protection, according to a 2016 study.
Dr. Erum N. Ilyas, a dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology, recommends incorporating SPF into your daily skincare routine. Sunscreen use provides skin cancer prevention, but also offers other benefits.
Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection, and water resistance is recommended. Mineral-based sunscreens, containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are ideal, according to Dietert, as they protect against a broader spectrum of UV light and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. People with acne-prone skin should look for sunscreens with niacinamide and avoid oil-based products.
Beyond sunscreen every day for skin cancer prevention, dermatologists Anna Chacon and Ilyas highlight additional benefits, including delaying aging signs, fading scars, preventing discoloration, and protecting against blue light. Research indicates that certain sunscreens can protect against blue light damage, though blue light exposure is a small percentage of overall UV exposure.
“Applying sunscreen to your face, neck, chest, ears, hands, and arms daily is recommended to prevent long-term damage from the sun,” Dietert said.
The idea that people with darker skin don’t need sunscreen is false and risky. A 2016 study showed higher skin cancer mortality rates for people of color, partly due to a lack of sun damage education. Dietert stresses that everyone, regardless of skin tone, should use sunscreen daily, as UV exposure can cause aging and, with enough exposure, skin cancer.
While sun exposure aids vitamin D production, Chacon said the benefits of sunscreen outweigh the risks of deficiency. A 2019 review found insufficient evidence that sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency. Those concerned can take supplements or increase vitamin D intake through foods like salmon and egg yolks.
For those with melanated skin concerned about a white cast, brands like Supergoop and Black Girl Sunscreen offer options that avoid this issue. While makeup with SPF is helpful, Chacon advises that it’s usually not sufficient as a primary sun protectant.
Experts recommend a multi-layered approach to sun protection. Dietert suggests wearing wide-brimmed hats and UPF 50+ clothing. However, these measures don’t replace the need for sunscreen. Sunscreen is still needed to protect against reflected UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also advises avoiding tanning beds, seeking shade, and being extra cautious between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
What’s next
To maintain healthy skin and prevent sun damage, make daily sunscreen use a habit. Choose a broad-spectrum,mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher,and reapply every two hours when exposed to the sun. Combine sunscreen with other protective measures like hats and UPF clothing for complete sun safety.
