Beyond the obvious benefit of helping to prevent sunburn, sunscreens also help prevent damage from UVA and UVB rays which can cause damage and early signs aging. In addition to dark spots and dullness, damage from the sun can also cause rough texture, fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, 80% of skin aging is due to external aggressors like the sun.^i
iTobin, Desmond J. “Introduction to skin aging.” Journal of Tissue Viability. 26.1 (2017): 37-46.

Sunscreens work as an effective way to block damaging rays from the sun from hitting the skin. Depending on the ingredients in the formula, sunscreens can either reflect UVA and UVB rays or filter them out to prevent them from reaching skin.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens defend skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays penetrate the top layer of the skin and are the main cause of damage and sunburn. UVA rays penetrate below skin’s surface layer and can cause long-term damage that may result in wrinkles, dark spots and rough texture. Using a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection defends skin from both types of rays.

Mineral sunscreens are formulated with an ingredient like Titanium Dioxide and help protect skin by reflecting the sun’s harmful rays. These formulas are often recommended for sensitive or acne-prone skin types.

The sun emits harmful UV rays year-round so applying daily sunscreen is essential. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful rays can penetrate skin.^ii
iiGlobal Solar UV Index. World Health Organization. (2002).

Always follow the directions on your formula to help protect your skin. As a basic guideline, apply sunscreen in the morning and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. If you are outdoors at the beach or on the ski slopes you may need to reapply more often as snow, sand and water reflect the sun’s rays making them even stronger.^i
iTobin, Desmond J. “Introduction to skin aging.” Journal of Tissue Viability. 26.1 (2017): 37-46.

A daily sunscreen should be the very last step in your skincare routine. Applying a moisturizer after your sunscreen could even alter its properties and affect its efficacy. After you smooth on your moisturizer, apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outside and allow it to fully absorb.ⁱⁱⁱ You can also use a moisturizer with SPF to hydrate and defend skin in one easy step.
ⁱⁱⁱ“How to Apply Sunscreen.” Employment and Benefits | American Academy of Dermatology.

UV rays are not the only environmental aggressors that skin needs protection from. Look for a sunscreen with pollution protection to help defend skin from skin-damaging free radicals.

If your skin is oily or acne-prone, you may be tempted to skip a step in your skincare routine but sunscreen is a daily essential for all skin types. Look for a non-comedogenic formula (meaning it won’t clog pores) or a mineral sunscreen to help defend skin without causing breakouts.