No Sunscreen, No Glow: Why Skipping SPF Isn’t Worth It
Picture this: it’s a bright summer’s day, and you’re out with your loved ones, enjoying the warmth of the sun against your skin. It sounds wonderful, doesn't it? But did you remember to apply sunscreen? You might be tempted to enjoy the sun without a care in the world, but here's the truth: not wearing sunscreen can have serious consequences for your skin. With that in mind, let’s walk through the importance of sunscreen and the potential effects of neglecting UV protection.
Why Is Sunscreen Important?
Is sunscreen necessary? Absolutely. Before we dive into the potential harmful effects of not wearing sunscreen, let's first understand why it's so essential. Sunscreen acts as a shield against the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, protecting your skin from sun damage. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. But what is the difference between these two types?
The primary difference is that UVA rays are associated with premature aging, leading to skin discoloration, deep wrinkles, and other unwelcome guests on your face. This type of solar radiation gets deeper into your skin, hence the potentially permanent effects. UVB rays, on the other hand, don’t make their way into the lower levels of your skin. However, they do cause temporary damage to the outer layers of your skin, which often presents as a painful sunburn.1
Sunscreen temporarily prevents these UV rays from harming your skin. But remember, not all sunscreens are created equal. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that shield you from both UVA and UVB rays, and don't forget to check the SPF rating. The higher, the better!
Effects of Not Wearing Sunscreen
Why wear sunscreen? Not wearing sunscreen can have consequences ranging from a mild burn to serious cancer. Here are just some of the links between sunscreen and skin health.
Sunburn: The Painful Reminder
One of the main dangers of not wearing sunscreen is sunburn. Skipping sunscreen on a sunny day is like challenging the sun to a duel. Of course, the sun always wins. Without sunscreen, your skin is left vulnerable to UVB rays, which can cause fiery-red sunburn and skin damage. It's not just a temporary inconvenience; skin damage from no sunscreen increases the risk of skin cancer.2
Premature Aging & Wrinkles
UV rays, especially UVA, speed up the aging process, leading to premature wrinkles and sagging skin. It's like pressing fast-forward on your skin's natural aging clock.
Skin Cancer
The long-term effects of not wearing sunscreen can put you at risk of developing skin cancer. In fact, having more than five sunburns doubles your risk of skin cancer.3 UV radiation damages the DNA in your skin cells, leading to abnormal growth and, in some cases, cancerous cells. Protecting your skin with sunscreen is your best defense against the risk of potentially life-threatening sun damage.
Uneven Skin Tone & the Patchwork Effect
To understand how the sun affects skin without SPF, you need to consider how UV rays can change your looks. “Do I really need sunscreen?” Yes, if you prefer a smooth and even complexion, sunscreen is your best friend. Sun exposure without sunscreen can cause pigmentation issues, leaving you with dark spots and a patchwork effect on your skin.
Tips for Choosing and Applying Sunscreen
Now that you're aware of the potential effects of not wearing sunscreen, let's make sure you become a sunscreen pro.
Find Your Match: Choose the Right Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens work for everyone, so find the one that's perfect for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If you're hitting the beach, opt for a water-resistant formula. Whether you’re choosing a mineral sunscreen or chemical sunscreen, make sure it's a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Apply Liberally
A little dab won't do the trick. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin areas. And don't forget those easily overlooked spots like your ears, neck, and the back of your hands. The more coverage, the better — your skin will thank you.
Reapply and Stay Safe
Don't let sunscreen wear off and leave your skin vulnerable to UV exposure. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're sweating or swimming. UV radiation doesn't take a break, and neither should your sun protection. You can check the day’s UV index on a weather app to see the likelihood of high UV radiation throughout the day. However, as UV ratings fluctuate, it’s safest just to apply and reapply whenever you’re out in the sun.
Stay Protected with COOLA
Why do so many people trust COOLA to protect their skin in the sun? One reason is that there are so many options from COOLA, so you can find exactly the right sunscreen or skincare product to suit you. Take a look at some of these popular formats that help you stay protected whenever the sun is out.
Clear Sunscreen Spray
Get your SPF 50 in a clear, non-greasy continuous spray. The formula is water-resistant and contains nourishing ingredients for your skin, such as prickly pear extract, buriti oil, and raspberry seed oil. Many of these ingredients are proven to fight free radicals — molecules that can cause cellular damage.4 You get an extra boost of skincare as well as protection from the sun’s rays.
You can opt for a fragrance-free spray or choose from delicious summer scents like juicy Guava Mango or tropical Piña Colada. If you’re excited about long hours in the sun, clear sunscreen spray was made for days like these.
Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion
We all need a drink on a hot day, but did you know your skin gets thirsty, too? Hydrate it thoroughly while protecting it from the sun’s rays with COOLA’s Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion. Light, non-greasy, with a completely clear finish, this is luxurious skincare combined with broad-spectrum, SPF 50 protection.
Dew Good Illuminating Body Melt Lotion
You can add a natural glow to your skincare routine while maintaining excellent SPF protection. Dew Good Illuminating Body Melt Lotion contains ingredients that improve your skin’s moisture retention and improve its natural barrier, contributing to a genuine sun-kissed glow. The hydrating formula simply melts into your skin, forming a weightless sunscreen. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply after swimming or sweating.
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know about the potential effects of not wearing sunscreen, you can confidently protect your skin from sun exposure and harmful rays. Sunburn, premature aging, and the risk of skin cancer are all risks you can fight daily by applying sunscreen. Take care of your skin, and it will take care of you, helping you stay healthy for years to come.
So, the next time you step out into the sun, don't forget to slather on that sunscreen — especially COOLA sunscreen with 70%+ organic ingredients. Remember, COOLA's got your back, and so should your sunscreen.
Sources:
- Amaro-Ortiz, A., Yan, B., & D’Orazio, J. A. (2014). Ultraviolet radiation, aging and the skin: Prevention of damage by topical cAMP manipulation. Molecules, 19(5), 6202–6219. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19056202
- Wu, S., Han, J., Li, W. Q., Li, T., & Qureshi, A. A. (2016). History of severe sunburn and risk of skin cancer among women and men in 2 prospective cohort studies. American Journal of Epidemiology, 183(9), 824–833. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwv282
- Chien, A., & Jacobe, H. (2025, March). Sunburn & your skin – The facts. The risks. What you can do. The Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/
- Ispiryan, A., Rimkute, L., & Venskutonis, P. R. (2021). Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) seed oil: A review. Plants, 10(5), Article 944. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10050944
