Most people know to apply sunscreen on warm summer days when the sun is out in full force or if you’re spending the day outside, but should you wear it every day, even on cloudy days and in the winter months? Dermatologists and other experts say yes, you should wear sunscreen every day. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, even when it’s cloudy, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the earth. Going unprotected on an overcast day can lead to skin damage. Daily application of sunscreen is an important preventative health measure.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are rays present in sunlight that are the most damaging to our skin. Among the UV rays emitted by the sun, there are two basic types, UVA and UVB rays. In short, UVB rays are associated with skin burning, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are associated with premature skin aging. Both UVA and UVB rays are associated with skin cancer formation. During the summer months, UVB rays are present at higher levels. UVA rays are strong year-round and can penetrate through clouds and even glass. This means that even on cloudy days or days where you are spending most of your time inside, you can still be susceptible to skin damage. Sunscreen is an important step to add to your daily skin care routine to help decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin precancers and help prevent premature skin aging.
When choosing a sunscreen to use daily, you should make sure it is broad spectrum, meaning it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and is SPF 15 or higher. Our Vanicream™ Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a great daily sunscreen option, especially for those with sensitive skin or those who want to avoid common irritants in their skin care products. Protect yourself from the sun all year long with this lightweight, mineral sunscreen face moisturizer. Formulated with ceramides and non-nano zinc oxide to provide broad spectrum SPF 30 protection from both UVA/UVB rays, this daily moisturizer with SPF 30 protection is non-greasy and easy to apply. Learn more about our Vanicream™ Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30.