Yes, you absolutely should apply sunscreen daily. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that anyone over six months old should use sun protection every day. This isn't just for sunny beach days; daily sunscreen use is crucial for overall skin health.
Why Daily Sunscreen is Essential
The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays year-round, even on cloudy days. These rays damage skin cells, leading to:
- Sunburn: Painful, inflamed skin.
- Premature aging: Wrinkles, age spots, and loss of elasticity.
- Skin cancer: A serious and potentially life-threatening disease.
Regular sunscreen application helps prevent all three. Studies show that daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen reduces the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by about 40%. Even a quick trip outside warrants sunscreen application, as the sun's rays can penetrate clouds. The sun's UV rays can cause damage even on cloudy days, with up to 80% of UV rays still penetrating.
According to dermatologists, daily sunscreen use helps build your skin's protective barrier. It's not excessive; it's essential for maintaining healthy skin. Waiting until you're already in the sun leaves your skin vulnerable to damage.
How to Incorporate Sunscreen into Your Routine
To make sunscreen a daily habit, consider incorporating it into your morning routine, just like brushing your teeth. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it liberally to all exposed skin 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Johns Hopkins Medicine and other reputable sources emphasize the importance of daily sunscreen use for overall skin health and cancer prevention.
