Sunscreen is often top of mind during sunny summer months, when we’re more aware of the sun’s potential damage. It shields us from harmful UV rays, lowers skin cancer risks, and helps prevent early wrinkles — starting to work just minutes after application. In short, it’s one of the most effective beauty essentials.
But to truly keep your skin healthy and glowing, sunscreen should be a daily habit. Here’s why:
Why Do I Need SPF? The Benefits Of Sunscreen
1. Reduces Your Risk of Skin Cancer
Sunscreen protects your skin and reduces your risk of developing skin cancer and pre-cancerous skin cells. Applying SPF in conjunction with other sun protection behaviors — like covering up in dark clothing and wearing a hat and sunglasses — reduces the harmful effects of sun exposure. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation claims that applying sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 reduces your chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and your melanoma risk (the deadliest skin cancer) by 50%.
2. Protects Against Sunburn
UVA rays from the sun (and the same ones you get in tanning booths) are mainly linked to long-term skin damage — like the formation of wrinkles — and are also associated with some skin cancers. It’s UVB rays, however, that are responsible for sunburn and are thought to cause most skin cancers. Not only are sunburns painful, they have a direct link to the most deadly types of cancer. According to Healthline: “Even a single sunburn can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer. This is because when the skin absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, it can damage the genetic material in skin cells.” Thankfully, sunscreen defends the skin against UV rays by absorbing, reflecting or scattering sunlight.
3. Helps Avoid Inflammation & Redness
Too much time in the sun will result in sunburn, but did you realize that it can also lead to severe skin reddening and inflammation of the skin? According to Medical News Today: “The ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the skin, which turns red as the body directs more blood to the affected area to repair the damage.”
4. Prevents The Early Onset Of Wrinkles & Fine Lines
When it comes to developing wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet, sunscreen is one of the most effective tools in your arsenal. Lengthy exposure to UVA rays prematurely ages your skin and results in the loss of collagen and skin elasticity. In fact, up to 90% of visible signs of aging are caused by sun damage. By introducing SPF into your daily skin care routine, you’re warding off the visible signs of aging with minimal effort.
5. Helps Protect Against Blotchy Skin & Hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin pigmentation (or hyperpigmentation) refers to parts of the skin becoming discolored or darkening in an inconsistent way. This can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by sun exposure. Blotchy skin or dark spots may spring up on the face, hands and other parts of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun.
The good news? There is a simple way to avoid dark spots (as well as sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer) — and the solution is wearing sunscreen rain or shine, not just in summer.
Clearly, sun exposure can have a profound effect and potentially cause premature skin aging, skin cancer and many other skin changes. If you think you can avoid the sun’s rays in winter or by sitting in the office, you might be surprised to learn about these next situations when SPF is still a must:
Do You Need Sunscreen In The Winter?
According to Dr. Hooman Khorasani, a quadruple board-certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic and skin cancer surgeon, “UV radiation (particularly UVA) from the sun can penetrate clouds and windows, affecting your skin even on overcast or winter days.” Even in snowy weather, UVA rays can reach your skin if you’re near a window, potentially causing harm.
Dr. Khorasani also emphasizes, “Daily sunscreen use is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancers, such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.” In addition to preventing cancer, sunscreen helps protect against premature aging and wrinkles. “Sunscreen shields your skin’s underlying collagen structure from the harmful effects of UV rays, which contribute to wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation,” he adds.
However, it’s not just UV rays we need to protect against. Dr. Khorasani points out, “There is emerging evidence suggesting that blue light from screens can contribute to photoaging, though more research is needed to fully understand the extent of its impact.” Research has shown that blue light may trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage skin cells and contribute to aging signs like wrinkles and pigmentation changes. “Therefore, light from screens and artificial light can also affect our skin health, accelerating aging and pigmentation issues,” he notes.
Consistent application and reapplication of broad-spectrum sunscreen form a protective layer against these daily exposures. “I recommend making sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your routine year-round,” says Dr. Khorasani. “It’s a simple and powerful step to keeping your skin healthy and vibrant.”
5 Surprising Situations When You Need To Wear SPF
1. Indoors
For those spending all day indoors, UVA light can still reach you by penetrating window glass. If your office is bright from sunlight streaming through the windows, you’re receiving a similar amount of UVA rays as you would be if you were outside.
2. On Cloudy Days
The Skin Cancer Foundation also states that even when it’s cloudy, up to 80% of the sun’s UV radiation reaches Earth. Unfortunately, that means outside activity on an overcast day (any season of the year) can still result in skin damage.
3. At High Altitudes
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVB rays can cause sun damage and sunburn even if you’ve chosen a skiing holiday over a week at the beach. Be extra mindful on snowy days. Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s damaging rays, so next time you’re on the slopes, apply sunscreen to the exposed parts of your face to protect against the increased UV exposure from the reflection.
4. During Winter
The ozone layer is the part of the atmosphere that absorbs the radiation from the sun. During the winter months, the ozone layer thins out, meaning you have less defense against the sun’s rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests applying SPF to your entire body before you get dressed. At a minimum, they recommend applying sunscreen to areas that aren’t covered by clothes, like your ears, neck, scalp, hands and your face (but you already knew that).
5. Through Light Clothing
You would assume that all clothing protects us from sun damage, but some lightweight fabrics like silk, crepe or cotton tend to allow light through. Also, the lighter the color of the garment, the more likely sunlight will hit the skin. For example, a white cotton t-shirt only protects with the equivalency of SPF 5! For more protection, wear dark-colored, dense fabrics. Synthetic and semisynthetic fibers like polyester or rayon, plus heavy, tightly woven fabrics like wool, denim or corduroy, provide the most defense — though they may not be what you reach for on a sweltering summer day!
Best SPF for Daily Use
How to Apply an SPF Moisturizer
When choosing a sunscreen, look for the phrase “broad spectrum.” This description signals that the formula protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Next, check the sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates the sunscreen’s effectiveness in blocking UV rays. For your best defense, select a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Our all-mineral SPF sunscreens are formulated specifically for the face and neck. Each formula is free from silicones and brimming with natural, organic botanicals and active ingredients to deliver targeted skin benefits, all while helping you stay protected from sun damage.
Our all-mineral SPF formulas are:
- Perfect for daily use
- Made with zinc oxide for all-mineral SPF protection
- Silicone free
1. Sun Defense Minerals
Eminence Organics Sun Defense Minerals is a lightweight, all-natural powder sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF protection while helping to mattify and even out skin tone. Formulated with natural minerals, it creates a protective barrier against harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of premature aging. This mineral-based formula is gentle on sensitive skin, making it perfect for daily wear, touch-ups and reapplication over makeup without clogging pores.
2. Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm
Moisturize, soften and protect your lips with this hydrating all-natural SPF 15 lip balm that defends dry lips against harmful UV exposure, while soothing rosehip oil relieves dryness and rejuvenating lavender restores softness. Dry, weather-ravaged lips will be perfectly moisturized and protected from future damage.
3. Radiant Protection SPF Fluid
The Radiant Protection SPF Fluid combines the benefits of bakuchiol — a retinol alternative that smooths skin’s texture to minimize the visible signs of aging — and niacinamide, which helps support the skin barrier and hydration. This SPF 30 sunscreen is perfect for dry to combination skin types.
