5 Compelling Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen Every Day

“But it’s not sunny out!” is the refrain that we often hear when it comes to SPF.

The notion that sunscreen should only be applied when the sun is out, or even worse, only when the sun is intense, is simply not true. However, that very dated mindset, rooted in misconceptions about sun protection, has stuck with some. So here is your gentle reminder that sunscreen needs to be applied daily — sun, clouds, rain, or snow (you get our point). Not sure why that is the case? Keep reading to understand the importance of daily sunscreen use and how it can benefit your skin in various weather conditions and provide protection against harmful UV rays.

1. It Prevents Sunburns and Skin Damage

The most obvious benefit of wearing sunscreen is to prevent uncomfortable sunburns and shield your skin from the detrimental effects of harmful UV rays. When you expose your skin to intense UVB rays it can cause painful sunburns, leading to skin peeling, swelling, itching, hives, and even blisters—and no one wants that kind of skin discomfort. Regular and diligent sun protection and understanding what ingredients to avoid when choosing your SPF is essential to safeguard your skin from the immediate and long-term consequences of sun exposure, maintain healthy and radiant skin, and preserve a smooth and glowing skin texture.

2. It Reduces the Risk of Skin Cancer

Did you know that every time you get a sunburn, you become more likely to develop skin cancer? Exposing your skin to harmful UV radiation damages the DNA in your skin cells and increases the risk of malignant mutations. Sunscreen, with its broad-spectrum SPF benefits, not only provides immediate sunburn protection but also offers long-term benefits by lowering the risk of developing various types of skin cancer, including melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. This is one of the most crucial and life-saving benefits of sunscreen in preserving your overall health. Make skin cancer prevention a priority by incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine.

3. It Protects Your Skin from UV Rays—Even When You’re Inside

The depletion of the ozone layer, once our natural sunshield, has made us more vulnerable to harmful UV rays. This reduction in the ozone layer means that more UV light reaches the Earth's surface, increasing the potential for UV exposure to our skin. The sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays can penetrate glass, putting your skin at risk even indoors, whether you're driving, working near windows, or sitting by a window. When you apply sunscreen daily, it acts as a powerful barrier against UV rays that can permeate your surroundings, safeguarding not only your skin but also your skin cells.

4. It Prevents Premature Aging and Dark Spots

Wearing sunscreen is your key to preventing premature aging. It helps slow down or even halt the development of wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and dryness that stem from harmful UV exposure. UV rays accelerate the breakdown of essential skin proteins like collagen and elastin, leading to the appearance of premature aging signs. Additionally, sunscreens hinder melanin overproduction, preventing dark spots and uneven skin tone. Studies have shown that people under 55 who use sunscreen regularly have a 24% lower chance of developing these signs of aging than sporadic users.

5. It Helps You Maintain Healthy Skin

Some sunscreen formulas feature additional skincare ingredients to promote and sustain skin health effectively. All COOLA formulas are enriched with plant-derived antioxidants that work synergistically with your SPF application to improve skin’s health every time you apply sunscreen. Some sunscreens can also be slotted into steps already in your skincare routine and double as a moisturizer. COOLA Refreshing Water Cream SPF 50 gives you both SPF protection and skin hydration that lasts 24 hours.

6. Enhanced Confidence and Self-Esteem

Daily sunscreen application encompasses more than just physical well-being; it also catalyzes heightened confidence and self-esteem. The knowledge that you are proactively safeguarding your skin against the harmful consequences of UV radiation, preventing issues such as sunburn, skin damage, and premature aging, can instill a profound sense of assurance and overall contentment that influence your self-perception and self-assuredness. 

7. Benefiting the Environment with Eco-Friendly Sunscreen

Many sunscreens are now formulated to be reef-safe and environmentally friendly, which means they don't contain harmful chemicals that can harm coral reefs and aquatic life when washed off in the ocean. By choosing and using these eco-friendly options, you're not only protecting your skin but also doing your part to preserve delicate marine ecosystems. Being mindful of the impact of your skincare choices on the environment adds another layer of motivation to make daily sunscreen application a consistent practice.

With the wide range of sunscreen options at your fingertips, including mineral and chemical sunscreen, you can easily find one (or more) that is tailored to your skin type, whether oily, dry, or sensitive skin. This diversity allows you to find a sunscreen that not only offers sun protection but also addresses your unique skincare needs, such as mattifying for oily skin or providing extra hydration for dry skin. So prioritize your skin's health and well-being, and make daily sunscreen application a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. Don't underestimate the power of broad-spectrum SPF, and the benefits of wearing sunscreen on face every day as your skin will thank you in the long run for the UV light protection and the prevention of skin issues, such as dark spots and skin aging.