Daily use of sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause long-term damage. Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV radiation can penetrate the atmosphere and affect your skin. Regular sunscreen use helps prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and reduces the risk of skin cancer. By forming a protective barrier on your skin, sunscreen blocks the sun's damaging effects, keeping your skin healthy, youthful, and protected all year long. For the best results, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin’s layers and are responsible for causing skin aging, wrinkles, and photoaging. Prolonged exposure to UVA rays can lead to long-term damage and skin cancer. UVB rays, on the other hand, mainly affect the surface of the skin, causing sunburn and contributing to skin cancer. Both types of UV rays are harmful, which is why using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Broad-spectrum protection ensures your skin is guarded from all types of UV radiation.

To achieve full protection, it is recommended to apply sunscreen generously—about 1 ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass, to cover all exposed areas of your skin. This includes not only your face but also your neck, arms, and other exposed body parts. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to fully absorb and form a protective layer on the skin. Reapplication is key—every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying, to maintain optimal UV protection throughout the day.

For daily protection, dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which blocks around 97% of UVB rays. SPF 30 is typically sufficient for most everyday activities, including commuting and short outdoor periods. However, if you plan to spend extended time outdoors, or if you have fair or sensitive skin, opting for a higher SPF, such as SPF 50, can provide added protection. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 ensures better defense against UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent sunburn, photoaging, and skin damage from overexposure to the sun.

Yes, regular sunscreen use plays a significant role in preventing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone caused by overexposure to UV rays. UV radiation can stimulate excess melanin production, leading to the appearance of dark spots and uneven patches of skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, preventing these effects and helping maintain a more even complexion. By wearing sunscreen daily, you reduce the risk of sun-induced discoloration, which is especially important for people prone to hyperpigmentation, melasma, or dark spots. For more detailed insights on how to manage hyperpigmentation and sun spots, check out our guide on How to Manage Hyperpigmentation & Sun Spots.