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.