Should You Wear Sunscreen Every Day?

One of the most common questions people have about sun protection is: Should you wear sunscreen every day? While most people make it a habit during the summer months or when they’re vacationing by the sea, the reality is that sunscreen should be part of your everyday routine—and yes, we do mean every day (winter included).

The sun emits ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA and UVB rays, exposure to which can cause a host of skin concerns, from sunburns to premature aging. While daily sunscreen application may not prevent these concerns entirely, it can help protect the look and feel of your skin over time. We’ll explain a few notable sunscreen benefits below and answer some common questions about sunscreen usage and application. Keep reading for the must-know information—plus details on a few of our favorite everyday sun protection products worth adding to your routine.

Why Is It Important to Wear Sunscreen Every Day?

The benefits of wearing sunscreen daily are hard to overstate. Applied properly (more on that shortly), sunscreen can help protect your skin from sunburn, early signs of aging, and even skin cancer.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, everyone over the age of six months should wear sunscreen every day (babies younger than six months, meanwhile, should be kept out of the sun whenever possible). As we go about our daily lives, we’re exposed to a lot more UV radiation than you may expect. In fact, research shows that most sun damage results from everyday sun exposure, rather than the intense but short-lived bursts you may get on a sun-soaked vacation. Wearing sunscreen daily can help protect your skin from these damaging rays.

As far as which sunscreen to use, it’s up to you—physical and chemical sunscreens both have their merits. Whichever you choose, follow the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advice of using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply it to your face, neck, chest, ears, hands, and arms, as well as any other part of your body that is likely to be exposed to the sun, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming.

If you’d like to avoid adding another step to your already-packed morning skincare routine, consider reaching for a hybrid formula, such as L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion. The antioxidant-infused formula immediately leaves the skin feeling fresh and moisturized and helps visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and unevenness over time. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types and boasts a lightweight, non-greasy feel with no white cast—making it suitable for wear both alone and under makeup.

Do You Need Sunscreen Indoors?

Experts recommend wearing sunscreen while indoors if you plan to spend a lot of time near a window or door that lets in natural light. Though the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that UVB rays (the type responsible for sunburns) are largely blocked by windows, roughly 50% of skin-damaging UVA rays can penetrate through glass (clouds are no match for them either). As such, if you’re working, sitting, lounging, or doing housework by a window, you’re likely to be exposed to those harmful rays.

If you have trouble remembering to apply sunscreen when you’re spending time indoors, consider swapping your usual moisturizer for an SPF moisturizer like L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30. The anti-aging formula with pro-retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid helps reduce wrinkles, firms, and brightens skin—all while protecting against ultraviolet rays.

When Should You Put On Sunscreen?

Any time you anticipate you will be exposed to the sun in any capacity, you should be putting on sunscreen. After your morning skincare routine is the best time to apply sunscreen—it should be the last thing you put on after moisturizer.

After washing your face, apply your favorite serum to help address any skin concerns you may have. If you have any existing sun spots, try the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum. The powerful formula visibly reduces the appearance of bright spots and gently exfoliates skin surface cells to reveal more luminous, fresher-looking skin. Allow the lightweight formula to absorb, then smooth on your favorite facial moisturizer and finish with the aforementioned L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion. Don’t forget your lips: an SPF-infused lip balm can help protect this delicate skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

Ideally, you should be reapplying sunscreen every two hours for lasting protection. And, per the FDA, while sunscreen’s importance can’t be overstated, it’s still a good idea to follow other sun-protection measures, too. These include wearing protective clothing and accessories like hats and long-sleeved shirts, sticking to the shade when possible, and avoiding direct sunlight at midday.

The bottom line: No matter what you might be up to on any given day, everyday sun protection isn’t just a good idea—it’s a must for healthy-looking (and -feeling) skin.

Next Up: Does Sunscreen Go On Before or After Moisturizer?