Hey, skincare lover!
We all know the importance of sunscreen, but let’s be real—it often feels like a step we skip when we’re rushing out the door or even think it’s only necessary on those rare beach days. But here's the thing: sunscreen is hands down the most important anti-aging product you can use, and I’m not just talking about wrinkles or the occasional sunburn. It's about protecting your skin long term, even when you don't see the damage happening right away.
Here’s why you need to make sunscreen your everyday best friend—yes, rain or shine—and why it’s the best, most affordable anti-aging step you can add to your routine now.
The Sun Isn’t Just for Summer (Or Beach Days)
You might not notice the effects of sun damage in your 20s or 30s, but trust me, it adds up. Many of my clients are dealing with wrinkles, dark spots, and even precancerous lesions—things that are all avoidable with proper sun protection. By the time you hit your 40s or 50s, the damage from years of unprotected sun exposure becomes more visible.
It’s easy to think that you only need sunscreen on sunny days or when you’re out at the beach, but that’s just not the case. Ultraviolet (UV) rays don’t just strike when the sun is blazing in the sky. These rays can sneak through clouds, windows, and even the smallest cracks. So yes, even if you're sitting indoors by the window, you’re still at risk. And when it comes to aging, those UVA rays are the real culprits—they’re the ones that penetrate deep into the skin, breaking down collagen and speeding up the aging process.
Collagen Breakdown & Skin Aging
Collagen is what keeps your skin looking firm and youthful, but unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever. Collagen production naturally decreases with age (hello, fine lines and sagging), and what accelerates this process? UV exposure. Over time, UV rays weaken your skin’s structure by damaging collagen fibers, leaving you with more visible wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and fine lines.
But here's the catch: You can prevent this from happening by incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine. SPF protects your skin from the UV rays that break down collagen and keeps your skin looking youthful, even as you age.
Dark Marks and Discoloration? Sunscreen Can Help
If you've ever dealt with dark marks, melasma, or discoloration on your skin (thanks, acne), you know how frustrating it can be to get rid of them. What’s worse? Sun exposure can make those spots darker and harder to fade. If you have post-acne marks or any type of hyperpigmentation, you may have noticed that the sun makes them worse, even if they’ve started to fade. This is especially true for conditions like melasma, where hormonal changes can make your skin more sensitive to UV damage.
The good news is sunscreen can help protect and even reduce discoloration by preventing further darkening. When you wear sunscreen every day, you’re reducing the impact of UV rays on your skin and helping your treatment products work more effectively to fade those spots.
SPF in Makeup? Not Enough, Sorry!
Now, let’s talk about something I see a lot of people believe: SPF in makeup isn’t enough. I know it feels like a two-in-one win, but honestly, you need more. Sunscreen in makeup is usually not applied in the amount needed for full protection, and it doesn’t last all day. If you’re relying on your foundation or primer for sun protection, you might be setting yourself up for skin trouble down the line.
I recommend a dedicated sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays) and an SPF of 30-50. Trust me, this is the most effective way to shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays every single day.
Make Sunscreen Part of Your Daily Routine
So, let’s break it down: sunscreen should be an essential step in your skincare routine. Every day. No exceptions. Whether you’re headed out for a walk, sitting by the window, or just doing your usual day-to-day tasks, the UV rays are still coming for you. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate your skin. That means you’re still at risk for premature aging and skin damage if you skip the sunscreen.
And it doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold outside—UV rays are there year-round. Think of sunscreen as a simple habit, like brushing your teeth. It only takes a few extra seconds, but over time, it makes a huge difference.
A Little Commitment, Big Rewards
Sunscreen is the most affordable, low-effort, and highly effective way to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. It’s a habit you can start today and reap the rewards for years to come. Not only will you keep wrinkles, fine lines, and spots at bay, but you’re also investing in your long-term skin health.
If you haven’t already, make it a point to incorporate sunscreen into your morning routine. And, of course, reapply every two hours if you're outside for extended periods.
Want to make sure you’re covered all day? I recommend products like Heliocare SPF and EVY Technology SPF. Both provide broad-spectrum protection, are easy to apply, and offer long-lasting results—perfect for everyday wear, no matter your activity level.
Remember, sunscreen isn’t just a summer product—it’s the most effective anti-aging product you can use, and it’s available all year long. Don’t skip it, and your skin will thank you later.
Stay protected, stay radiant!
You might not notice the effects of sun damage in your 20s or 30s, but by your 40s and 50s, it shows. Many of my clients are dealing with wrinkles, dark spots, and even precancerous lesions—all avoidable with proper sun care."
Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days—it’s the most affordable anti-aging product you can start using right now.
Ultraviolet radiation, even through windows or on cloudy days, can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and speeds up aging in the skin.
Experiencing Dark marks and discoloration? Much of that can be reduced with sunscreen use and sun protective habits.
UV exposure can darken post-acne marks in the skin, and worsen the look of melasma.
No, SPF in your makeup isn’t; enough, I like a dedicated, broad spectrum SPF 30-50 every single day, rain or shine.