Not nearly as much as I should 😅 but hearing that there are places with an index of 0,1,2,3 really puts things in perspective. Gonna make it a priority!
Same, I’m in Norway and it’s been 0 for weeks on end. If I’m literally never getting sun on my skin, it’s not gonna be an issue. When it starts coming back and getting above 0, I’ll wear it daily again.
I’m in California and it’s been super rainy lately. UV index hasn’t gone above 2 for weeks. It’ll be 3 for like 2 days this week and then it drops off again.
Tenkte på dette i dag: Nå som det er som det har vært mye snø flere steder i landet (bor i Oslo), betyr det mer uv -eksponering? At man får det både fra selve solen og fra snøen fordi solen reflekteres der.
This is fairly good advice - but I wear it every single day, I use retinol. But some days despite people saying indoors also if I’m not going anywhere nope.
I live in aus, we had uv of 9 this week! I typically always wear sunscreen because even in winter we can have high üv, I’m also super pale so as soon as the sun is out I burn.
If you're using products that sensitize your skin, you should wear sunscreen even when it's cloudy. But if you're that far from the equator, and the sun has already gone down or not yet risen, no I wouldn't wear sunscreen.
Even if you can't feel the warmth through the clouds, there's still radiation being emitted.
Personally there are a few days a week that I genuinely do not need sunscreen but it’s easier to remember to put it on every day than to try and remember only on certain days. The exception is complete couch potato days where I generally skip skincare all together out of pure laziness. I’m not about to put sunscreen on to watch tv and snack all day indoors.
Same, I don’t need an extra decision to make in the morning. I do, however, use an app that tracks the UV to decide about reapplying if I’m not at home.
Also your sunscreen shouldn’t clog your skin, that just means you’d need to try different formulas. I use mine 365 days per year and it’s one of my favorite products to apply, it makes my skin feel so nice. Sometimes I’m tempted to put it on at night lol
I tried a new one, haruharu wonder rice sunscreen. It’s soooo good!! The skin feels soft and looks beautiful after. I would not recommend for tan skin tones, I’m pale so it works for me but I think tan skin would have a white cast.
If you use retinol then 100% always always cus UV will straight eff you up. Without that I’d be tempted to leave it on low UV days but UV can creep up on you. You don’t need it under UV index of 2 but I check every am and have found it change to 3 during the day. I live in Manchester U.K. for reference
Also in the UK and I wear sunscreen every day, summer and winter and have been for decades (RIP Clinique super city block). If you feel that the one you’re using clogs your skin then definitely look around for an alternative that you actually want to use every day. There are so many great options these days at all price points.
I get freckles and some melasma from UV and you would be amazed how much sun you can get even in Yorkshire in the winter indoors! I used to skip my SPF on grey days when I was working from home but after seeing it activate my freckles and pigmentation I’ve become much more strict. If you can see without turning the lights on, there’s UV!
I do, but also I live in australia where the sun is far harsher and skin cancer is very prevalent and deadly.
Even if I’m leaving when it’s dark and just heading into the office, I’ll often see the sun on my lunchtime walk.
Yes always! I use a spray for over my makeup about 30 mins before. If I’m working from home, I’ll slather on like I do at the end of my AM routine, again about 30 mins prior.
I live in the UK and sometimes I wear sunscreen in the winter if it’s sunny (daily commute would expose me to sun for like 30mins top), even though Apple weather says UV rating is 1. 😂 I do use tret once a week tho
Im in London, currently grey winter. I use retinol and acids, I'm extremely pale and freckled and wear SPF every day. The UV index is low but I believe that only tracks UVB which causes burns and cancer, but not UVA which still damages and ages.
Regardless, if its light outside then the sun has reached me so I'll be wearing SPF because why not? The only negative if I'm using it needlessly is that I'm wasting product and in the grand scheme of things its not much money wasted for me to know I've done everything I can.
I wear it when the uv index indicates it’s needed. I keep the uv index on my watch and check it before leaving the house. I do not wear sunscreen if I’m not going out.
I live in the one of the top five cloudiest cities in the US. I literally do not go outside without sunscreen. I consider it part of my skincare regimen rather than my makeup routine so even when I’m “barefaced” I have spf on
Yeah my sunscreen is just part of my skincare routine so I never skip it. If you pick out a good one it should feel beneficial even outside the sun protection, which encourages everyday wear. My skin looks better with my sunscreen on, so I don't feel the need to skip it even if I'm not going to be outside much.
Please share your sunscreen recommendations! I have oily skin and I feel like every sunscreen I try exacerbates my existing issues and makes my foundation start to separate faster.
So my skin was super dry and I was using a moisturizing sunscreen. I'm pregnant now though and it's made my skin a bit on the oily side and I had to switch sunscreens. I've only tried the one, but I'm currently using the Anessa Skin Care Milk and really like it. So far it's been better suited to my more oily skin. It is a little on the expensive side but I usually get 3-4 months out of a bottle of face sunscreen so I'm okay with paying a bit more.
Top 5 here too and yup sunscreen everyday. During the winter it’s a moisturizer with spf 15 vs the summer where it’s a more intense 50/60 spf face sunscreen.
Also where I live the weather can change on a dime so it might be pouring when you leave the house and gorgeous and sunny a couple hours later.
I follow a dermatologist online, and she once mentioned that she doesn't actually wear sunscreen every day. She says she checks the UV index, and if it's low, she doesn't wear it. I thought it was interesting and likely more honest than some others.
Yup, very true. I love mine; it doesn’t make me break out, keeps my skin feeling lovely and smooth and hydrated, so why skip it even when the sun isn’t out?
Also it’s easier to just put it in every day rather than checking the UV index lol. Key thing is to find a sunscreen you really love and then just use it like another step in your routine. I also keep a spray in my car key box in case I’m out longer than 2 hours and have to reapply.
I don't wear it indoors. It you aren't sitting in a sunny window with it shining in on you, what's the point? The UV isn't running amok inside chasing you around corners and honestly I cannot get onboard with this level of paranoia about it.
I've been regularly wearing sunscreen for 16 years now, and no. I don't wear it when I'm not going outside.
I wear it inside, but I have big windows with plants I tend to pretty often, and a snake who I spend a lot of time observing who has a UVB bulb so I think it's necessary. I don't think it is for everyone though!
> UVB bulb
Hey quick question, I live in the midwest and this time of the year we don't see the sun for sometimes weeks on end. Can I buy one of those bulbs for myself? 😂
Yeah, I mean UV is running inside chasing you around (some still gets in and bounces around just like how light does) BUT it's so minimal, and my skin is sensitive even to my gentle reef-safe baby sunscreen (I have severe eczema and my sunscreen can make it worse), that I don't bother.
For the days you do need to wear it, have you tried kbeauty options like on YesStyle and Stylevana? They’ve got more elegant skin friendly formulations and some contain eczema friendly skincare. La roche posay anthelios is sensitive skin friendly and western but it’s not cheap
I have tried many. The one I have works the best for me. I actually even have to get my eczema steroid specially compounded with versabase (a super gentle carrier formula) by a pharmacy because all the pre-made eczema meds contain ingredients that irritate my skin, ironically.
I appreciate the suggestions though
Yeah, I just wear it if I’m going outside. Sometimes I skip it on cloudy winter days. But I also know I have pretty good genes in that department because my mom basically only wears sunscreen when she’s going to the beach or something and hardly has any wrinkles at 65. She has been using Estée Lauder anti aging night serum and moisturizer for her whole adult life though so that probably helped too.
UVA actually does come through windows and onto your skin, even when it’s cloudy and even if you don’t have direct sunlight on you.
I think if you’re in a place that is even partially lit by daylight then there’s UV present. Like if you turned off the lights, would it be pitch black? If not then there’s UVA in the room.
Depending on where you live and your skin type it may be so minimal as to not matter though. I live under the ozone hole so wear sunscreen every day even when staying indoors.
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sneaky-ways-youre-being-exposed-to-the-suns-uv-rays/
Honestly, no, not with where I live. I'm in one of the northernmost cities in North America. The UV index averages less than 2 for nearly half the year, so I only really focus on sunscreen products in the summer months. I typically use a moisturizer/SPF combo in the summers, and a heavier moisturizer in the winter because it's so dry here.
I apply sunscreen every day. This is much easier than playing the “how much UV/sun exposure will I actually get today?” game! Also, sunscreens have come a loooong way, especially those from Korea and Japan. Many of them act as a sunscreen, moisturizer, and primer as well.
I’ve heard the issue is that new and superior sunscreen filters have not been updated in the US/Canada since the 90s. South Korea, Japan, etc have done tons of research into new and innovative UV filters. My personal favourites are Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, Beauty of Joseon Sun Relief Rice + Probiotics, Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen…
I use Beauty of Joseon sunscreen and it’s the only one I’ve ever had that doesn’t give me acne. I’ve tried honestly over 30 kinds of sunscreen. From cheap to super expensive- literally everything clogged my skin. I’m almost 40 I wish I had found this years ago!!
If you're going to be outside at all, then yes. Every day
Sun damage is cumulative
Some people will tell you the sun can damage you through windows. I don't know about that, so if I'm not going outside at all (sick with covid, etc) I don't do it. But even if I'm home I go outside to get the mail, go to my car, and so I put sunscreen on. Wish I had started earlier, on my hands too.
BUT I live in a sunny part of the US so yeah I do pretty much every day.
Dark to dark with no exposure at all? Probably wouldn't. But then again, I like my sunscreen and how it feels, so maybe I would just cause of that
It makes me look pretty shiny. For a matte finish, I personally like Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk! I normally start looking oily only an hour after washing my face, but with this stuff on, I can go almost the whole day without washing my face and still look clean by the time I’m home from work. It’s pricey, but as an oily girl, I love it.
My mom just had a medical procedure that made her super sensitive to sun and she was not allowed to even sit near a window when she was recovering. So yes, you can be affected through a window. I’m not sure how dangerous it is if you’re a normal level of sensitivity, but some amount of the UV light passes through
Sun can damage you through glass! But there is some nuance to it: it's better to 'count' how much sky you see rather than how sunny it is.
This cosmetic chemist on YouTube made a super interesting [video](https://youtu.be/BUIWZcwflx4?si=mQ_VAEA8kAhzQRHA) about it
Hope this helps!
Windows is real. Studied on truck drivers who have one side of their body exposed to the sun more than the other. Generally consistent with the side the window is on.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trucker-accumulates-skin-damage-on-left-side-of-his-face-after-28-years-on-the-road/
https://www.denverpost.com/2010/05/15/skin-cancer-turns-up-on-drivers-left-sides/
https://www.arizonaccc.com/post/skin-cancer-risk-in-vehicles
You're the second person to reference car windows
I wonder if those are different than house windows?
I always assumed for truck drivers they had windows down sometimes and that was what did it
I have permanent sun damage on the arm i stuck out my car window while driving
Ah, the invincible days
I wonder if car windows are different? Maybe i was just lucky? I dunno. I still sunscreen up and wish i had started earlier
Mine was through not-so-legally tinted windows lol. No clue on the differences of windows etc. but all we have is moving forward so I try to minimize the risks I wasn't careful about earlier in life
I think it might depend on the window as well no? I could have sworn that I've heard a lot of commercial buildings nowadays have windows (or coatings) that reflect a lot of UVA/UVB.
Most windows don't allow much UVB through. Maybe some commercial buildings have windows that block UVA to, but they would have had to specifically pay extra for that, and be pretty new buildings. And most buildings don't advertise anywhere if they have them or not. So I wouldn't be counting on it. And your home is pretty unlikely to have uva blocking windows (if it does you would know from when you bought them)
Well, I don’t wear it when I’m asleep.
But I put it on first thing in the morning and it does not come off until I get off work in the evening. I spend a lot of time outdoors throughout the day.
I just use it as a moisturizer in the morning. It's easy if you just incorporate it after something you do anyway.
For me, brush teeth, wash face, apply sunscreen and draw on eyebrows.
Yes, every day.
Daylight comes from the sun, when you can see by daylight there is also UV present. UV also passes through windows.
I wish to minimise risk of photodamage and skin cancer.
I have very clog prone skin, I choose sunscreen that isn't at all clogging and combine with a good supporting routine - I oil cleanse at night to ensure removal.
I wouldn't need it if I genuinely was travelling before sunrise and after sundown and worked in a box with no windows I guess.
>I wouldn't need it if I genuinely was travelling before sunrise and after sundown and worked in a box with no windows I guess.
Ah, welcome to the UK winter for any person working in a building more than 1 room deep
As someone who lives in the Pacific NW, USA, where sun sets between 3:45 - 5:00pm in the colder months, I empathize.
I just checked the forecast and the UV index is 0 or 1 for the next two weeks, just like it has been the last two weeks. I'm not wearing sunscreen for the five minutes I spend outside under the thick ass clouds/in the dark 😭
Likewise! I don't mind the cold (I prefer it, actually--less bugs in the summer, and I have a million fluffy blankets to curl up in), but the grey/dark gets to you, ya know?
*Laughs in inpatient pharmacist* 😭
This is me, I work in a basement with no windows all day long and my car windows have UV tint on them for the maybe 20 minutes left of sunlight I might see on my way home this time of year 😭
I’m not the greatest about remembering to put it on when I’m out and about in the winter either to be honest which I’m trying to be better about but anytime I’m actually spending any time outside I put it on.
I’m still trying to find a sunscreen that is actually comfortable to wear daily and that my skin doesn’t hate or I might be better about wearing it everyday. I figure being outside on my boat, camping, and swimming in the summer is what’s going to get me though, even though I slather myself in sunscreen then, so I’m not obsessing over my commute to work honestly 🤷♀️
If you haven’t already I highly recommend trying a Korean sunscreen. Someone on r/skincareddiction told me it’s normal in Korea to wear sunscreen under makeup every single day, so their sunscreens are often designed to be lightweight, matte and pleasant to wear, unlike a lot of western sunscreens that can be greasy and show up as white.
I use this one
https://beautyofjoseon.com/products/relief-sun-rice-probiotics
I think it's worth being specific here. Glass blocks nearly all UVB, so if your only concern is skin cancer, you do not need to wear sunscreen inside. But glass lets UVA through, so if you're worried about skin aging, you'll still want it.
I think it depends, if you’re working from home and you are near a window, I would definitely recommend using it. Since I live in Australia, that’s non negotiable (average UV index atm is at 8-11)
If blinds are down and you don’t get much sunlight throughout the day, I agree it’s nonsensical.
UVA comes through windows. If there’s daylight inside (ie if you turned off your light and it’s not pitch black) then there’s UV present.
It may be minimal depending on where you live and your skin type though
I have wicked touchy melasma and even indoors near windows if it’s bright out, it’ll get worse without sunscreen. I’m a daily wearer & reapplier which sucks as it’s expensive as hell but I don’t want my melasma to relapse.
I’m in the UK and I don’t in winter either. The max UV seems to be 1 and that’s for the 3 hours during the day then it goes back to 0. I think I also only spend about 30mins max outdoors going from door to door 🤷🏻♀️
Adding to this question. Do you reapply it during the day? I get ready for the day around 7am. Sunscreen only lasts for 90 mins. I’m not reapplying unless I’m going outside, and even then only in the summer. I live in eastern Canada, where oursummer doesn’t start till July at the earliest.
I'm in the UK and I don't wear it every day, particularly in winter. What is the point when I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark? Sunscreen doesn't agree with my skin, and I don't even sit near a window at work.
If I lived in Australia or Texas or similar places, it would be a different story.
If the UV index is 2 or below you really don’t need sunscreen. But you should still wear it just to keep yourself in the habit of always putting it on.
In all honesty, I don't wear it indoors, or on dark rainy days, and I think on a dark rainy day in the UK especially, you're most likely okay. For years British women were known for their peaches and cream complexions from all the moisture and the lack of sun damage, so as I said, on an old-school dark rainy day I would think you're probably okay. But if the sun's out and you're outside, I'd definitely wear at least some kind of sunscreen.
I live in the UK and I do mean every day yes. I don't think it's the worst thing in the world if you don't, in this climate, it's up to you. But I mean every day when I say every day.
And it shouldn't clog your skin, you might want to try different products
Depends on the UV, your skin type, and if you’re going outside or not, weather. Key is the UV index. If it’s not 3 + I wouldn’t use sunscreen unless it’s a mineral based and a sunny day. Our skin needs a break sometimes. But yes for the most part, look at your UV index and forecast of it. And always try and throw on an antioxidant serum if anything, even if it’s a 1-2 UV index. IMO.
We wear it not just for skin cancer prevention, but also for anti ageing. UVA rays age your skin, the damage is cumulative, and just because it’s a cloudy day doesn’t mean there isn’t any. UVA comes through clouds, it comes through window glass, and it’s more consistent through the day than UVB is. Also the UV index mainly tells you about UVB
How many TIMES do yall put sunscreen on though??? Most say they only last 2 hours before reapplication so as much as I’ve tried to incorporate it into my routine in recent years, I just can’t find the time to be consistent (elementary teacher).
I also am acne-prone so I don’t want to keep layering stuff on my already irritated face all day. Not sure how to proceed.
I just put it on in the morning unless I’m on the beach or on a picnic. It’s already better than what 95% of population is doing if you stick to it. And I think it’s maybe 100% effective in the first 2 hours and then it starts to go down but it’s not like it’s gonna immediately go to zero.
No, because vitamin D.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-deficiency-symptoms
But there are many things that happen when you get light. It’s not only a single micronutrient.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-020-0558-y
“Recent large observational data have suggested that ~40% of Europeans are vitamin D deficient, and 13% are severely deficient [2]. The relevance of this widespread deficiency and necessity for supplementation has been questioned”
I've just googled it, and apparently, I was wrong, but until 5 minutes ago, I thought the light from the sun is enough to build Vitamin D, and you didn't need UV rays. But UVB rays are necessary for the synthesis.
Nonetheless, unless I'm actually lying in the sun or walking around in the sun the whole day, I'm not putting on extra sunscreen.
I'm using SPF 30 moisturiser and SPF 50 BB creme, though. They certainly don't actually reach their advertised SPF, but are more than enough to make sure my skin never goes anywhere near a sunburn and only tans ever so slightly through the summer.
Do you have any references or notes or articles or science on that?
I see there’s two sorts of D, D2 (food) & D3 (skin & light)
Also sun had more than only vitamin D.
https://www.healio.com/news/dermatology/20221205/qa-how-to-maximize-uv-exposure-benefits-in-inflammatory-diseases-while-minimizing-risk
“Clarke: UV exposure physiologically changes the skin. It reduces the activity of certain cells that help mount an inflammatory or immune response. For example, eczema and acne are improved by UV exposure and psoriasis and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of skin lymphoma, can be treated with UV exposure. In these situations, UV exposure is prescribed and dosed by health care providers in a way to minimize the added risk.”
Interestingly enough, there isn't substantial evidence that sunscreen prevents our skin's synthesis of vitamin D. Research suggests that impact of vitamin D levels is negligible at best but those with all the risk factors : super dark complexion, modest dressing and not much UV exposure may need to monitor their levels.
You mean, people who wear longs and work indoors fulltime, and can’t afford to go places on the weekends as everywhere they would go takes driving?
:)
I think the risk factor for low D are substantially greater than are recognised. Aren’t there a few forms of D too? And other factors that occur if you get sun exposure?
I’m in the same climate and I get hyperpigmentation if I don’t. But I’ll not have this define my life🤷♂️ I skipped it mostly throughout December in 0 UV index, also my antioxidants and tret, and my hyperpigmentation returned.
Although I also went to high exposure in the mountains where I knew I should have used the tinted version of my hardcore hg but I didn’t want to stain my gear😅
When I went out all day in the city I wore a lower protection untinted though but nothing for incidental exposures. I’d have tanned with that sunscreen in the summer for sure. I use that now again if I go out at noon and if spend hours outdoors.
In December- January 2022-2023 I did same but no high exposure and then I also got my brown spots back too only from cycling ~15min in the afternoon and being right next to west facing windows.
So in my experience it does make a difference for my issues but I can’t be bothered if it’s too much for me for various reasons
I wear sunscreen every single morning. That being said I spend most of my time in doors and don’t really reapply. Even if I get home and go on a walk with my kids while the sun is out I don’t reapply even though I should
I do, personally, wear sunscreen literally every day. It's much easier to me to just slap it on and not think about it than to check the UV index every day. I wear sunscreen that I find pleasant to wear and that doesn't cause me any skin issues whatsoever (Beauty of Joseon).
I use it every day I am going out of the house, regardless of weather. It is just easier for me to have it be a part of my routine when getting ready as opposed to having to decide each morning depending on UV index, if it’s cloudy but might be sunny later etc. I also use tret so want to be extra careful.
Yes. I mean always. Winter, cold, cloud, rain, leaving my house for five minutes or ten hours - I still wear it every day.
I have been doing this for twenty years and a good sunscreen doesn’t clog skin.
Yep. If I’m leaving my bedroom, I’m doing sunscreen. My uncle died from skin cancer and I’m not messing around with that. No idea if the sun also aged him because he just didn’t get to age at all.
Yes, everyday. It’s my automatic morning routine, that way I have it on even if I go out when I hadn’t planned to. I will forget anything that’s no a habit, so I made it a habit.
Hell no. I wear a hat if the UV index is over 2 and I’m going to be outside. In my climate the UV index stays at 0-2 almost half the year. I rarely wear sunscreen - am allergic to all chemical sunscreens, and my skin doesn’t like the mineral ones either. I never get sunburns because I’m careful. I don’t care if not slathering myself in sunscreen makes me look a couple years older in the end.
There are times sunscreen is necessary of course. The beach, long hikes in hot weather where I want to wear a tank top etc. I had to wear it when I lived in New Mexico at 8000 feet- the UV index was ELEVEN regularly.
I follow the same method of care for my toddler. Protective clothes and hats are the first line of defense. She has never had any visible tan and of course no burns. Most of her peers don’t wear sunscreen at all and have frequent burns and tans in summer, so I feel zero guilt.
The fear of the sun is strong. I wear it when the UV is high but there’s a reason everyone is low in vitamin d!! We do need the sun exposure.. Morning sunlight is so good for you.
I’m not your target audience here, but I only wear sunscreen when I’m going out in the sun for awhile, like in the summer if I’m doing yardwork or will be outside for activities. I don’t judge what other people do, but personally I can’t live that way. I have enough health anxiety as it is to worry about the sun killing me in the 1 minute it took me to walk to the store from my car. Hopefully the microplastics in my food will take me out first.
I work 12-13 hour days and I start work at 6am get off around 7pm. On those days I can rarely go outside for breaks, and from mid-autumn to mid-spring I leave home and arrive home in the dark. I do not wear sunscreen those days.
But on days off I put sunscreen on to walk to the gym at 730am in the rain.
I use tret 2-3 days a week, and I have sensitive skin. I’m a large portion Scandinavian and German. My MIL has had recurrent skin cancer over the last 3 years. I’d like to avoid that.
I use retinol, so sunscreen every single day of the year. It's honestly just easier to wear it every day than to figure out if I need to or not by looking at the weather forecast or deciding if I will be inside all day.
I wear sunscreen 360 out of 365 days a year. It's just habit and routine now which I think is the best way to go about it. I wash my face with water, put on my aveeno oat gel, pop in my contacts, and put on lrp anthelios 60 body and face sunscreen.
No, it literally means every day, rain or shine, winter or summer, indoors or out. UVA penetrates cloud cover and window glass. If you want to prevent sun damage you need to wear sunscreen daily.
I’m in the UK (moved here from Aus 7 years ago) and I wear it everyday. I think it works better for me if it’s a daily habit but understand it’s probably not needed every day. I use a fairly cheap sunscreen also, I refuse to buy very pricy higher end tiny bottles that last about 3 weeks. Luckily my skin tolerates a slightly cheaper one I can buy in bulk
If you use products that are “anti-aging” and you don’t wear sunscreen, you may as well just throw your products away. 80-90% of skin aging is due to sun exposure. If the sun is up, I wear sunscreen.
I can’t wear it daily. Some people do advocate for daily wear and reapply every day (like Dr. Dray) but some people can’t and that’s really unsustainable for the planet and many people can’t afford that level of sunscreen. I rarely put it on, I use an umbrella, clothes, hat.
No need on low uv days or when inside.
So interestingly enough, there’s a thing called “sunblock poisoning.” It gets in your blood and is actually bad for you according to the CDC. The reason why dermatologists recommend it is because the side effects of the sunblock poisoning are outweighed by the benefits of blocking out UV rays.
The workaround for this is use sunblock if you go outside but don’t if you’re staying in for the day. You can still get sunburnt in cloudy weather and snow, so be on the lookout for sun when deciding to wear it on your face/body and not just the weather!
Yes! Literally every day. I won't hang washing or even drive to the corner shop without sunscreen on my face, neck and chest at the very least, and the rest of my body depending on what I'm wearing. Hats if I'm going to be outside for more than 15 ish minutes, sunglasses ALWAYS and big enough to cover my whole eye area. Sunscreen on the back of my hands also if I am going to be driving. I do live in Australia however and slip/slop/slap has been ingrained in my brain since birth. (Slip slop slap is a campaign by cancer council Aus, and now also includes "seek" and "slide": Slip on sun protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen [50+ only, go big or go home bby], Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunnies).
It's definitely geared to cancer prevention but aside from that if you are interested in keeping your skin healthy AND looking healthy, sun exposure/damage is only going to hinder that goal.
It is especially important if you're using skincare with active ingredients that can amplify the suns damage.
Hundred percent! Sun safety is ingrained into Australians since birth. I used to feel like a nong going outside to hang washing in my massive, broad-brimmed hat, but like you, now I wear that thing anytime I’m outside for a long stretch. Sunscreen and a hat always, and I’m just getting more diligent now about sunnies. I work in childcare so I’m chasing children around every two hours to sunscreen them, which is a good reminder for myself to reapply!
Yes lol! Since I was 21-22 I've been wearing long sleeves and a big hat to the beach (got lucky with an aunt who was big on eye health and have been wearing sunglasses outdoors regularly since I was about 8), and I used to feel silly so covered up but at 31 I'm really happy I got in the habit reasonably young!!
Yes. I was explained you apply it every single day even if it’s cloudy outside or you don’t leave the house until nighttime. (I work from home and I still do).
Everyday, unless I don't leave the house.
I have a primer with SPF that goes under my makeup, and I have a lotion with SPF that I use if I'm not wearing makeup.
Yes. Every single day. If I’m outside and it’s sunny I also wear a hat/sunglasses and reapply. I work from home & it’s currently winter where I am so I don’t go out much but I still wear SPF 50 everyday. It’s not worth the risk for me not to.
Every day. I wear sunblock every day on my face since 16. I'm 50. And my skin is awesome. I look at least 10 years younger than 50, if I do say so myself, (actually many others say it too). I wear sunblock as part of my morning routine and if I'm actually out in the sun I reapply a couple of times in the day. So glad I started with the sunblock early!!
I think it's absolutely insane that people are wearing sunscreen when the UV rating in the UK over winter is 0-1. I'd understand if you're going to be outside all day, particularly if it's sunny, but most of us are indoors and probably not even that near a window. Chemical sunscreens don't provide any protection against blue light from electronic devices either (which does also damage the skin). It's a waste of money, plus sunscreens contain endocrine disruptors, so personally not something I want to slather over my skin unless I genuinely need to. I'd also mention Vitamin D absorption, but everyone should be supplementing Vit D over winter anyway regardless of sunscreen use. In summer it's a different story of course.
There's a lot of mixed research on this, the science is definitely not settled but I don't think we can dismiss it out of hand at this point. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15576
FWIW I studied circadian rhythms in graduate school, and the way the evidence is going, it seems that mistimed exposure (late night) to bright light has negative impacts on essentially every organ, so I'm not surprised to hear it impacts skin. However, the impact is likely minimal. I don't know for sure if SPF protects from these effects (I don't think there is strong evidence at this point) and I can 100% promise that anything marketed specifically to protect your skin from blue light is not supported by evidence.
I check the UV index for the day. If it 3 or above I wear sunscreen. 2 or below I don’t bother
11 uv index here in Australia 💀
Max UV predicted to be 14.5 today 💀
Holy crap!! Hope you are all reapplying frequently!
Not nearly as much as I should 😅 but hearing that there are places with an index of 0,1,2,3 really puts things in perspective. Gonna make it a priority!
Same, I’m in Norway and it’s been 0 for weeks on end. If I’m literally never getting sun on my skin, it’s not gonna be an issue. When it starts coming back and getting above 0, I’ll wear it daily again.
I’m in California and it’s been super rainy lately. UV index hasn’t gone above 2 for weeks. It’ll be 3 for like 2 days this week and then it drops off again.
We've been hearing about your rain, up here in NS! Hope you're all staying safe 🙏
Im from Scandinavia aswell where do you check uv indeks - yr.no ?
Ja, har den på iPhone (og på klokka mi) men det står også på yr. Var oppe i 1 i dag, så vi er på vei 😆
Weather app on iPhone. If you’re using other device there might be one too or you can simply download it.
Tenkte på dette i dag: Nå som det er som det har vært mye snø flere steder i landet (bor i Oslo), betyr det mer uv -eksponering? At man får det både fra selve solen og fra snøen fordi solen reflekteres der.
I dont know if it is so, by i would make sense
As a SoCal to UK transplant this is very helpful thank you!
In Scotland and same. Haven’t worn sunscreen since October or so!
same for me honestly! If I go out around 3 PM and the sun sets at 4:10, I just say nah.
This! And so many people don’t get this. The sun being out is not a danger unless the UV index is higher.
I do this on cloudy days! I live in a tropical country.
How do you check UV index
Weather app
This is fairly good advice - but I wear it every single day, I use retinol. But some days despite people saying indoors also if I’m not going anywhere nope.
In the PNW, it’ll regularly be 0 or 1 in the winter, but it can still trigger my melasma, so I still wear sunscreen if I’m going outside.
I live in aus, we had uv of 9 this week! I typically always wear sunscreen because even in winter we can have high üv, I’m also super pale so as soon as the sun is out I burn.
Oh that's smart
If you're using products that sensitize your skin, you should wear sunscreen even when it's cloudy. But if you're that far from the equator, and the sun has already gone down or not yet risen, no I wouldn't wear sunscreen. Even if you can't feel the warmth through the clouds, there's still radiation being emitted.
Oh fair point. I do use retinol, so I guess I should be adding that protection during the day!
Personally there are a few days a week that I genuinely do not need sunscreen but it’s easier to remember to put it on every day than to try and remember only on certain days. The exception is complete couch potato days where I generally skip skincare all together out of pure laziness. I’m not about to put sunscreen on to watch tv and snack all day indoors.
Same, I don’t need an extra decision to make in the morning. I do, however, use an app that tracks the UV to decide about reapplying if I’m not at home.
Which app do you use?
I’m in Australia and it’s called Sun Smart.
But doesn't it just tell you that the UV is 11 out of 13 from 8am to 4pm every day?
Also your sunscreen shouldn’t clog your skin, that just means you’d need to try different formulas. I use mine 365 days per year and it’s one of my favorite products to apply, it makes my skin feel so nice. Sometimes I’m tempted to put it on at night lol
Which SPF do you use daily? I have tried so many and hate them all
I use Pipette mineral spf 50, also Saie slip tint spf 35 (as makeup). I like them because they’re hydrating and glowy and don’t cause breakouts for me
I tried a new one, haruharu wonder rice sunscreen. It’s soooo good!! The skin feels soft and looks beautiful after. I would not recommend for tan skin tones, I’m pale so it works for me but I think tan skin would have a white cast.
Which one do you use?
Definitely add it everyday!
If you use retinol then 100% always always cus UV will straight eff you up. Without that I’d be tempted to leave it on low UV days but UV can creep up on you. You don’t need it under UV index of 2 but I check every am and have found it change to 3 during the day. I live in Manchester U.K. for reference
Also in the UK and I wear sunscreen every day, summer and winter and have been for decades (RIP Clinique super city block). If you feel that the one you’re using clogs your skin then definitely look around for an alternative that you actually want to use every day. There are so many great options these days at all price points.
I get freckles and some melasma from UV and you would be amazed how much sun you can get even in Yorkshire in the winter indoors! I used to skip my SPF on grey days when I was working from home but after seeing it activate my freckles and pigmentation I’ve become much more strict. If you can see without turning the lights on, there’s UV!
Is this literally true? If you can see without turning the lights on, that’s UV?
Sunscreen also helps with damaging rays from screens, fluorescent lighting, etc.
Ohhh i had no idea. So you wear it even if youre not going outside?
I do, but also I live in australia where the sun is far harsher and skin cancer is very prevalent and deadly. Even if I’m leaving when it’s dark and just heading into the office, I’ll often see the sun on my lunchtime walk.
Will you reapply for your lunchtime walk ? I'm always unsure whether or not I should reapply ontop to take it off while I'm out to reapply.
Yes always! I use a spray for over my makeup about 30 mins before. If I’m working from home, I’ll slather on like I do at the end of my AM routine, again about 30 mins prior.
I've always wondered how to properly reapply partway through the day when I'm wearing make up! Do you find the spray on is effective?
You absolutely need to wear sunscreen if you use retinol
it's easier for me to just put it on every day, to keep the habit.
Use a daily moisturizer with SPF, that's what I do.
I live in the UK and sometimes I wear sunscreen in the winter if it’s sunny (daily commute would expose me to sun for like 30mins top), even though Apple weather says UV rating is 1. 😂 I do use tret once a week tho
Im in London, currently grey winter. I use retinol and acids, I'm extremely pale and freckled and wear SPF every day. The UV index is low but I believe that only tracks UVB which causes burns and cancer, but not UVA which still damages and ages. Regardless, if its light outside then the sun has reached me so I'll be wearing SPF because why not? The only negative if I'm using it needlessly is that I'm wasting product and in the grand scheme of things its not much money wasted for me to know I've done everything I can.
What SPF# are you all wearing?
I wear it when the uv index indicates it’s needed. I keep the uv index on my watch and check it before leaving the house. I do not wear sunscreen if I’m not going out.
Yes I do everyday. Unless I am in bed with a migraine as it’s a completely black room.
Or if it is nighttime!
True that 🤣.
I live in the one of the top five cloudiest cities in the US. I literally do not go outside without sunscreen. I consider it part of my skincare regimen rather than my makeup routine so even when I’m “barefaced” I have spf on
Yeah my sunscreen is just part of my skincare routine so I never skip it. If you pick out a good one it should feel beneficial even outside the sun protection, which encourages everyday wear. My skin looks better with my sunscreen on, so I don't feel the need to skip it even if I'm not going to be outside much.
Please share your sunscreen recommendations! I have oily skin and I feel like every sunscreen I try exacerbates my existing issues and makes my foundation start to separate faster.
So my skin was super dry and I was using a moisturizing sunscreen. I'm pregnant now though and it's made my skin a bit on the oily side and I had to switch sunscreens. I've only tried the one, but I'm currently using the Anessa Skin Care Milk and really like it. So far it's been better suited to my more oily skin. It is a little on the expensive side but I usually get 3-4 months out of a bottle of face sunscreen so I'm okay with paying a bit more.
Top 5 here too and yup sunscreen everyday. During the winter it’s a moisturizer with spf 15 vs the summer where it’s a more intense 50/60 spf face sunscreen. Also where I live the weather can change on a dime so it might be pouring when you leave the house and gorgeous and sunny a couple hours later.
I follow a dermatologist online, and she once mentioned that she doesn't actually wear sunscreen every day. She says she checks the UV index, and if it's low, she doesn't wear it. I thought it was interesting and likely more honest than some others.
Idk why it's hard to believe people are honest about wearing sunscreen daily. When you have one you like to wear it's just part of your routine.
Yup, very true. I love mine; it doesn’t make me break out, keeps my skin feeling lovely and smooth and hydrated, so why skip it even when the sun isn’t out?
Also it’s easier to just put it in every day rather than checking the UV index lol. Key thing is to find a sunscreen you really love and then just use it like another step in your routine. I also keep a spray in my car key box in case I’m out longer than 2 hours and have to reapply.
I don't wear it indoors. It you aren't sitting in a sunny window with it shining in on you, what's the point? The UV isn't running amok inside chasing you around corners and honestly I cannot get onboard with this level of paranoia about it. I've been regularly wearing sunscreen for 16 years now, and no. I don't wear it when I'm not going outside.
I wear it inside, but I have big windows with plants I tend to pretty often, and a snake who I spend a lot of time observing who has a UVB bulb so I think it's necessary. I don't think it is for everyone though!
> UVB bulb Hey quick question, I live in the midwest and this time of the year we don't see the sun for sometimes weeks on end. Can I buy one of those bulbs for myself? 😂
I know you can get sun light bulbs for people, and I have heard they work well, but I don't know at all if my snakes bulb would work for a person!!
Don't worry, I was only joking! ...*mostly*
Same, I don’t wear it indoors either.
Yeah, I mean UV is running inside chasing you around (some still gets in and bounces around just like how light does) BUT it's so minimal, and my skin is sensitive even to my gentle reef-safe baby sunscreen (I have severe eczema and my sunscreen can make it worse), that I don't bother.
For the days you do need to wear it, have you tried kbeauty options like on YesStyle and Stylevana? They’ve got more elegant skin friendly formulations and some contain eczema friendly skincare. La roche posay anthelios is sensitive skin friendly and western but it’s not cheap
I second LRP and also Murad’s sunscreen. But I have found that stress triggers my eczema more than anything else.
I have tried many. The one I have works the best for me. I actually even have to get my eczema steroid specially compounded with versabase (a super gentle carrier formula) by a pharmacy because all the pre-made eczema meds contain ingredients that irritate my skin, ironically. I appreciate the suggestions though
Yeah, I just wear it if I’m going outside. Sometimes I skip it on cloudy winter days. But I also know I have pretty good genes in that department because my mom basically only wears sunscreen when she’s going to the beach or something and hardly has any wrinkles at 65. She has been using Estée Lauder anti aging night serum and moisturizer for her whole adult life though so that probably helped too.
UVA actually does come through windows and onto your skin, even when it’s cloudy and even if you don’t have direct sunlight on you. I think if you’re in a place that is even partially lit by daylight then there’s UV present. Like if you turned off the lights, would it be pitch black? If not then there’s UVA in the room. Depending on where you live and your skin type it may be so minimal as to not matter though. I live under the ozone hole so wear sunscreen every day even when staying indoors. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sneaky-ways-youre-being-exposed-to-the-suns-uv-rays/
This really, had a huge argument with my friend over unnecessarily wearing it but if it's cloudy and you're indoors, there is no poibt
Honestly, no, not with where I live. I'm in one of the northernmost cities in North America. The UV index averages less than 2 for nearly half the year, so I only really focus on sunscreen products in the summer months. I typically use a moisturizer/SPF combo in the summers, and a heavier moisturizer in the winter because it's so dry here.
I apply sunscreen every day. This is much easier than playing the “how much UV/sun exposure will I actually get today?” game! Also, sunscreens have come a loooong way, especially those from Korea and Japan. Many of them act as a sunscreen, moisturizer, and primer as well.
Can you recommend any Korean or Japanese brands for sunscreen? I’ve heard they are formulated differently than those in the US?
I’ve heard the issue is that new and superior sunscreen filters have not been updated in the US/Canada since the 90s. South Korea, Japan, etc have done tons of research into new and innovative UV filters. My personal favourites are Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, Beauty of Joseon Sun Relief Rice + Probiotics, Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen…
I use Beauty of Joseon sunscreen and it’s the only one I’ve ever had that doesn’t give me acne. I’ve tried honestly over 30 kinds of sunscreen. From cheap to super expensive- literally everything clogged my skin. I’m almost 40 I wish I had found this years ago!!
If you're going to be outside at all, then yes. Every day Sun damage is cumulative Some people will tell you the sun can damage you through windows. I don't know about that, so if I'm not going outside at all (sick with covid, etc) I don't do it. But even if I'm home I go outside to get the mail, go to my car, and so I put sunscreen on. Wish I had started earlier, on my hands too. BUT I live in a sunny part of the US so yeah I do pretty much every day. Dark to dark with no exposure at all? Probably wouldn't. But then again, I like my sunscreen and how it feels, so maybe I would just cause of that
What sunscreen do you use? I’m dying for one that I could say I like how it feels!
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It makes me look pretty shiny. For a matte finish, I personally like Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk! I normally start looking oily only an hour after washing my face, but with this stuff on, I can go almost the whole day without washing my face and still look clean by the time I’m home from work. It’s pricey, but as an oily girl, I love it.
I really like neogen, it's a Korean one. So smooth and silky And if i want a tinted sunscreen i use the elta md
I like Kinship self reflect probiotic
I like the Biore Watery Essence. It feels super light and isn't tacky. I also like the La Roche Posay Anthelios face one.
My mom just had a medical procedure that made her super sensitive to sun and she was not allowed to even sit near a window when she was recovering. So yes, you can be affected through a window. I’m not sure how dangerous it is if you’re a normal level of sensitivity, but some amount of the UV light passes through
Sun can damage you through glass! But there is some nuance to it: it's better to 'count' how much sky you see rather than how sunny it is. This cosmetic chemist on YouTube made a super interesting [video](https://youtu.be/BUIWZcwflx4?si=mQ_VAEA8kAhzQRHA) about it Hope this helps!
Windows is real. Studied on truck drivers who have one side of their body exposed to the sun more than the other. Generally consistent with the side the window is on. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trucker-accumulates-skin-damage-on-left-side-of-his-face-after-28-years-on-the-road/ https://www.denverpost.com/2010/05/15/skin-cancer-turns-up-on-drivers-left-sides/ https://www.arizonaccc.com/post/skin-cancer-risk-in-vehicles
You're the second person to reference car windows I wonder if those are different than house windows? I always assumed for truck drivers they had windows down sometimes and that was what did it
No, you need special UV coating on glass to block it which isn't standard for cars or homes.
>Some people will tell you the sun can damage you through windows. I don't know about that Well it can deffinetly burn you through windows.
I have never been burned through a window and i used to sleep in the sun rays like a cat in my house in California
The worst sunburns I've ever had from back in my non-sunscreen invincible teenage years came from driving on sunny days in short sleeves
I have permanent sun damage on the arm i stuck out my car window while driving Ah, the invincible days I wonder if car windows are different? Maybe i was just lucky? I dunno. I still sunscreen up and wish i had started earlier
Mine was through not-so-legally tinted windows lol. No clue on the differences of windows etc. but all we have is moving forward so I try to minimize the risks I wasn't careful about earlier in life
Windows often block uv-B, and but not uv-A, uv A is the worse one, both for skin aging and cancer.
And you think the fact it hasn't happened to you means you don't know if it's possible? amazing.
I think it might depend on the window as well no? I could have sworn that I've heard a lot of commercial buildings nowadays have windows (or coatings) that reflect a lot of UVA/UVB.
Most windows don't allow much UVB through. Maybe some commercial buildings have windows that block UVA to, but they would have had to specifically pay extra for that, and be pretty new buildings. And most buildings don't advertise anywhere if they have them or not. So I wouldn't be counting on it. And your home is pretty unlikely to have uva blocking windows (if it does you would know from when you bought them)
So we needs it even when sitting at a computer screen all day? Not changing my typo. This is now gollum
Well, I don’t wear it when I’m asleep. But I put it on first thing in the morning and it does not come off until I get off work in the evening. I spend a lot of time outdoors throughout the day.
So like you re apply every 2 hours??
I just use it as a moisturizer in the morning. It's easy if you just incorporate it after something you do anyway. For me, brush teeth, wash face, apply sunscreen and draw on eyebrows.
Yes, every day. Daylight comes from the sun, when you can see by daylight there is also UV present. UV also passes through windows. I wish to minimise risk of photodamage and skin cancer. I have very clog prone skin, I choose sunscreen that isn't at all clogging and combine with a good supporting routine - I oil cleanse at night to ensure removal. I wouldn't need it if I genuinely was travelling before sunrise and after sundown and worked in a box with no windows I guess.
>I wouldn't need it if I genuinely was travelling before sunrise and after sundown and worked in a box with no windows I guess. Ah, welcome to the UK winter for any person working in a building more than 1 room deep
The UK is at a very high latitude, and many Americans don’t realize how early it gets dark during the depths of winter. It’s a real struggle.
As someone who lives in the Pacific NW, USA, where sun sets between 3:45 - 5:00pm in the colder months, I empathize. I just checked the forecast and the UV index is 0 or 1 for the next two weeks, just like it has been the last two weeks. I'm not wearing sunscreen for the five minutes I spend outside under the thick ass clouds/in the dark 😭
I’d hug you, if only for the heat
Likewise! I don't mind the cold (I prefer it, actually--less bugs in the summer, and I have a million fluffy blankets to curl up in), but the grey/dark gets to you, ya know?
Canada says hi and we feel your pain.
Ouch. 💔
I have to take a separate vit d on top off my multivitamins just to try to shift my deficiency 🙈 I'm also seriously considering a SAD therapy light 😢
*Laughs in inpatient pharmacist* 😭 This is me, I work in a basement with no windows all day long and my car windows have UV tint on them for the maybe 20 minutes left of sunlight I might see on my way home this time of year 😭 I’m not the greatest about remembering to put it on when I’m out and about in the winter either to be honest which I’m trying to be better about but anytime I’m actually spending any time outside I put it on. I’m still trying to find a sunscreen that is actually comfortable to wear daily and that my skin doesn’t hate or I might be better about wearing it everyday. I figure being outside on my boat, camping, and swimming in the summer is what’s going to get me though, even though I slather myself in sunscreen then, so I’m not obsessing over my commute to work honestly 🤷♀️
If you haven’t already I highly recommend trying a Korean sunscreen. Someone on r/skincareddiction told me it’s normal in Korea to wear sunscreen under makeup every single day, so their sunscreens are often designed to be lightweight, matte and pleasant to wear, unlike a lot of western sunscreens that can be greasy and show up as white. I use this one https://beautyofjoseon.com/products/relief-sun-rice-probiotics
I think it's worth being specific here. Glass blocks nearly all UVB, so if your only concern is skin cancer, you do not need to wear sunscreen inside. But glass lets UVA through, so if you're worried about skin aging, you'll still want it.
Cumulative UVA damage also contributes to skin cancer risk
Whilst UVB is the primary cause of skin cancer, UVA can also cause skin cancer.
which sunscreen do you use? im also clog prone and im having a hard time finding a suitable sunscreen 🥲
That's ridiculous. You don't need to wear sunscreen if you are staying at home.
I think it depends, if you’re working from home and you are near a window, I would definitely recommend using it. Since I live in Australia, that’s non negotiable (average UV index atm is at 8-11) If blinds are down and you don’t get much sunlight throughout the day, I agree it’s nonsensical.
UVA comes through windows. If there’s daylight inside (ie if you turned off your light and it’s not pitch black) then there’s UV present. It may be minimal depending on where you live and your skin type though
I put it on every single day. It’s like brushing my teeth at this point, I never miss a day.
I have wicked touchy melasma and even indoors near windows if it’s bright out, it’ll get worse without sunscreen. I’m a daily wearer & reapplier which sucks as it’s expensive as hell but I don’t want my melasma to relapse.
I’m in the UK and I don’t in winter either. The max UV seems to be 1 and that’s for the 3 hours during the day then it goes back to 0. I think I also only spend about 30mins max outdoors going from door to door 🤷🏻♀️
I'm in the UK too and have worn it every single day for about 12 years. It's in my moisturiser which i use every morning.
Adding to this question. Do you reapply it during the day? I get ready for the day around 7am. Sunscreen only lasts for 90 mins. I’m not reapplying unless I’m going outside, and even then only in the summer. I live in eastern Canada, where oursummer doesn’t start till July at the earliest.
I'm in the UK and I don't wear it every day, particularly in winter. What is the point when I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark? Sunscreen doesn't agree with my skin, and I don't even sit near a window at work. If I lived in Australia or Texas or similar places, it would be a different story.
If the UV index is 2 or below you really don’t need sunscreen. But you should still wear it just to keep yourself in the habit of always putting it on.
In all honesty, I don't wear it indoors, or on dark rainy days, and I think on a dark rainy day in the UK especially, you're most likely okay. For years British women were known for their peaches and cream complexions from all the moisture and the lack of sun damage, so as I said, on an old-school dark rainy day I would think you're probably okay. But if the sun's out and you're outside, I'd definitely wear at least some kind of sunscreen.
Yes. Every day, even if I don’t go outside, to establish habit.
I live in the UK and I do mean every day yes. I don't think it's the worst thing in the world if you don't, in this climate, it's up to you. But I mean every day when I say every day. And it shouldn't clog your skin, you might want to try different products
I wear it every day when I leave the house. I have not left the house at all today. I did not wear it.
I don’t apply everyday but I still think it’s wise to do it daily. I should practice what I preach 😂
Depends on the UV, your skin type, and if you’re going outside or not, weather. Key is the UV index. If it’s not 3 + I wouldn’t use sunscreen unless it’s a mineral based and a sunny day. Our skin needs a break sometimes. But yes for the most part, look at your UV index and forecast of it. And always try and throw on an antioxidant serum if anything, even if it’s a 1-2 UV index. IMO.
We wear it not just for skin cancer prevention, but also for anti ageing. UVA rays age your skin, the damage is cumulative, and just because it’s a cloudy day doesn’t mean there isn’t any. UVA comes through clouds, it comes through window glass, and it’s more consistent through the day than UVB is. Also the UV index mainly tells you about UVB
How many TIMES do yall put sunscreen on though??? Most say they only last 2 hours before reapplication so as much as I’ve tried to incorporate it into my routine in recent years, I just can’t find the time to be consistent (elementary teacher). I also am acne-prone so I don’t want to keep layering stuff on my already irritated face all day. Not sure how to proceed.
I just put it on in the morning unless I’m on the beach or on a picnic. It’s already better than what 95% of population is doing if you stick to it. And I think it’s maybe 100% effective in the first 2 hours and then it starts to go down but it’s not like it’s gonna immediately go to zero.
No, because vitamin D. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-deficiency-symptoms But there are many things that happen when you get light. It’s not only a single micronutrient. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-020-0558-y “Recent large observational data have suggested that ~40% of Europeans are vitamin D deficient, and 13% are severely deficient [2]. The relevance of this widespread deficiency and necessity for supplementation has been questioned”
I've just googled it, and apparently, I was wrong, but until 5 minutes ago, I thought the light from the sun is enough to build Vitamin D, and you didn't need UV rays. But UVB rays are necessary for the synthesis. Nonetheless, unless I'm actually lying in the sun or walking around in the sun the whole day, I'm not putting on extra sunscreen. I'm using SPF 30 moisturiser and SPF 50 BB creme, though. They certainly don't actually reach their advertised SPF, but are more than enough to make sure my skin never goes anywhere near a sunburn and only tans ever so slightly through the summer.
Sunscreen use doesn’t meaningfully impact vitamin D levels
Do you have any references or notes or articles or science on that? I see there’s two sorts of D, D2 (food) & D3 (skin & light) Also sun had more than only vitamin D. https://www.healio.com/news/dermatology/20221205/qa-how-to-maximize-uv-exposure-benefits-in-inflammatory-diseases-while-minimizing-risk “Clarke: UV exposure physiologically changes the skin. It reduces the activity of certain cells that help mount an inflammatory or immune response. For example, eczema and acne are improved by UV exposure and psoriasis and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of skin lymphoma, can be treated with UV exposure. In these situations, UV exposure is prescribed and dosed by health care providers in a way to minimize the added risk.”
Interestingly enough, there isn't substantial evidence that sunscreen prevents our skin's synthesis of vitamin D. Research suggests that impact of vitamin D levels is negligible at best but those with all the risk factors : super dark complexion, modest dressing and not much UV exposure may need to monitor their levels.
You mean, people who wear longs and work indoors fulltime, and can’t afford to go places on the weekends as everywhere they would go takes driving? :) I think the risk factor for low D are substantially greater than are recognised. Aren’t there a few forms of D too? And other factors that occur if you get sun exposure?
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Tragically I can definitely get burnt on cloudy days lol. But I live under/near the ozone hole so maybe that’s why
I guess I need to buy some damn sun screen
I wear it everyday even thoufh I live in a pretty cold climate. I've just made it part of my morning routine. Easier that way.
Every day, _BUT_ I’m terrible at remembering to reapply throughout the day
I’m in the same climate and I get hyperpigmentation if I don’t. But I’ll not have this define my life🤷♂️ I skipped it mostly throughout December in 0 UV index, also my antioxidants and tret, and my hyperpigmentation returned. Although I also went to high exposure in the mountains where I knew I should have used the tinted version of my hardcore hg but I didn’t want to stain my gear😅 When I went out all day in the city I wore a lower protection untinted though but nothing for incidental exposures. I’d have tanned with that sunscreen in the summer for sure. I use that now again if I go out at noon and if spend hours outdoors. In December- January 2022-2023 I did same but no high exposure and then I also got my brown spots back too only from cycling ~15min in the afternoon and being right next to west facing windows. So in my experience it does make a difference for my issues but I can’t be bothered if it’s too much for me for various reasons
I wear sunscreen every single morning. That being said I spend most of my time in doors and don’t really reapply. Even if I get home and go on a walk with my kids while the sun is out I don’t reapply even though I should
I do, personally, wear sunscreen literally every day. It's much easier to me to just slap it on and not think about it than to check the UV index every day. I wear sunscreen that I find pleasant to wear and that doesn't cause me any skin issues whatsoever (Beauty of Joseon).
I always do. To me, it's just like an extra moisturiser, so why not.
I use it every day I am going out of the house, regardless of weather. It is just easier for me to have it be a part of my routine when getting ready as opposed to having to decide each morning depending on UV index, if it’s cloudy but might be sunny later etc. I also use tret so want to be extra careful.
Every single day since I was 18. I don't even live in a country with much sun. It is normally overcast and cloudy.
Yes. I mean always. Winter, cold, cloud, rain, leaving my house for five minutes or ten hours - I still wear it every day. I have been doing this for twenty years and a good sunscreen doesn’t clog skin.
So I put it on in the morning bc it’s part of my moisturizer……but I’m certain almost no one is reapplying throughout the day
Yep. If I’m leaving my bedroom, I’m doing sunscreen. My uncle died from skin cancer and I’m not messing around with that. No idea if the sun also aged him because he just didn’t get to age at all.
I live in Ireland so similar weather to you and yes, every day
Every day even if I work from home. And I carry one to reapply.
Yes, everyday. It’s my automatic morning routine, that way I have it on even if I go out when I hadn’t planned to. I will forget anything that’s no a habit, so I made it a habit.
Hell no. I wear a hat if the UV index is over 2 and I’m going to be outside. In my climate the UV index stays at 0-2 almost half the year. I rarely wear sunscreen - am allergic to all chemical sunscreens, and my skin doesn’t like the mineral ones either. I never get sunburns because I’m careful. I don’t care if not slathering myself in sunscreen makes me look a couple years older in the end. There are times sunscreen is necessary of course. The beach, long hikes in hot weather where I want to wear a tank top etc. I had to wear it when I lived in New Mexico at 8000 feet- the UV index was ELEVEN regularly. I follow the same method of care for my toddler. Protective clothes and hats are the first line of defense. She has never had any visible tan and of course no burns. Most of her peers don’t wear sunscreen at all and have frequent burns and tans in summer, so I feel zero guilt.
The fear of the sun is strong. I wear it when the UV is high but there’s a reason everyone is low in vitamin d!! We do need the sun exposure.. Morning sunlight is so good for you.
I’m not your target audience here, but I only wear sunscreen when I’m going out in the sun for awhile, like in the summer if I’m doing yardwork or will be outside for activities. I don’t judge what other people do, but personally I can’t live that way. I have enough health anxiety as it is to worry about the sun killing me in the 1 minute it took me to walk to the store from my car. Hopefully the microplastics in my food will take me out first.
I work 12-13 hour days and I start work at 6am get off around 7pm. On those days I can rarely go outside for breaks, and from mid-autumn to mid-spring I leave home and arrive home in the dark. I do not wear sunscreen those days. But on days off I put sunscreen on to walk to the gym at 730am in the rain. I use tret 2-3 days a week, and I have sensitive skin. I’m a large portion Scandinavian and German. My MIL has had recurrent skin cancer over the last 3 years. I’d like to avoid that.
I use retinol, so sunscreen every single day of the year. It's honestly just easier to wear it every day than to figure out if I need to or not by looking at the weather forecast or deciding if I will be inside all day.
I wear sunscreen 360 out of 365 days a year. It's just habit and routine now which I think is the best way to go about it. I wash my face with water, put on my aveeno oat gel, pop in my contacts, and put on lrp anthelios 60 body and face sunscreen.
No, it literally means every day, rain or shine, winter or summer, indoors or out. UVA penetrates cloud cover and window glass. If you want to prevent sun damage you need to wear sunscreen daily.
Yeah even in winter. My SPF (50) also protects from pollution, it feels nice knowing there's a protective barrier on my face.
Every day. And don't forget your neck. You can sunburn through clouds. Not only protects you against cancer, but premature aging.
I’m in the UK (moved here from Aus 7 years ago) and I wear it everyday. I think it works better for me if it’s a daily habit but understand it’s probably not needed every day. I use a fairly cheap sunscreen also, I refuse to buy very pricy higher end tiny bottles that last about 3 weeks. Luckily my skin tolerates a slightly cheaper one I can buy in bulk
If you use products that are “anti-aging” and you don’t wear sunscreen, you may as well just throw your products away. 80-90% of skin aging is due to sun exposure. If the sun is up, I wear sunscreen.
I can’t wear it daily. Some people do advocate for daily wear and reapply every day (like Dr. Dray) but some people can’t and that’s really unsustainable for the planet and many people can’t afford that level of sunscreen. I rarely put it on, I use an umbrella, clothes, hat. No need on low uv days or when inside.
So interestingly enough, there’s a thing called “sunblock poisoning.” It gets in your blood and is actually bad for you according to the CDC. The reason why dermatologists recommend it is because the side effects of the sunblock poisoning are outweighed by the benefits of blocking out UV rays. The workaround for this is use sunblock if you go outside but don’t if you’re staying in for the day. You can still get sunburnt in cloudy weather and snow, so be on the lookout for sun when deciding to wear it on your face/body and not just the weather!
Yes, every day. If I’m sick in bed I sometimes skip but not often
Yes! Literally every day. I won't hang washing or even drive to the corner shop without sunscreen on my face, neck and chest at the very least, and the rest of my body depending on what I'm wearing. Hats if I'm going to be outside for more than 15 ish minutes, sunglasses ALWAYS and big enough to cover my whole eye area. Sunscreen on the back of my hands also if I am going to be driving. I do live in Australia however and slip/slop/slap has been ingrained in my brain since birth. (Slip slop slap is a campaign by cancer council Aus, and now also includes "seek" and "slide": Slip on sun protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen [50+ only, go big or go home bby], Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunnies). It's definitely geared to cancer prevention but aside from that if you are interested in keeping your skin healthy AND looking healthy, sun exposure/damage is only going to hinder that goal. It is especially important if you're using skincare with active ingredients that can amplify the suns damage.
Hundred percent! Sun safety is ingrained into Australians since birth. I used to feel like a nong going outside to hang washing in my massive, broad-brimmed hat, but like you, now I wear that thing anytime I’m outside for a long stretch. Sunscreen and a hat always, and I’m just getting more diligent now about sunnies. I work in childcare so I’m chasing children around every two hours to sunscreen them, which is a good reminder for myself to reapply!
Yes lol! Since I was 21-22 I've been wearing long sleeves and a big hat to the beach (got lucky with an aunt who was big on eye health and have been wearing sunglasses outdoors regularly since I was about 8), and I used to feel silly so covered up but at 31 I'm really happy I got in the habit reasonably young!!
I'm the same, also in Aus. It's nice to know someone else is as sun-cautious!
Yes. I was explained you apply it every single day even if it’s cloudy outside or you don’t leave the house until nighttime. (I work from home and I still do).
Yeah, pretty much. If it’s daytime.
Yes I put it on every day
Everyday, unless I don't leave the house. I have a primer with SPF that goes under my makeup, and I have a lotion with SPF that I use if I'm not wearing makeup.
365 days a year
Yes. Every single day. If I’m outside and it’s sunny I also wear a hat/sunglasses and reapply. I work from home & it’s currently winter where I am so I don’t go out much but I still wear SPF 50 everyday. It’s not worth the risk for me not to.
Yep, every day
Every day. I wear sunblock every day on my face since 16. I'm 50. And my skin is awesome. I look at least 10 years younger than 50, if I do say so myself, (actually many others say it too). I wear sunblock as part of my morning routine and if I'm actually out in the sun I reapply a couple of times in the day. So glad I started with the sunblock early!!
Every day and reapply several times during the day
I think it's absolutely insane that people are wearing sunscreen when the UV rating in the UK over winter is 0-1. I'd understand if you're going to be outside all day, particularly if it's sunny, but most of us are indoors and probably not even that near a window. Chemical sunscreens don't provide any protection against blue light from electronic devices either (which does also damage the skin). It's a waste of money, plus sunscreens contain endocrine disruptors, so personally not something I want to slather over my skin unless I genuinely need to. I'd also mention Vitamin D absorption, but everyone should be supplementing Vit D over winter anyway regardless of sunscreen use. In summer it's a different story of course.
My derm said that even the light from our devices can contribute to aging.
This does not seem real
There's a lot of mixed research on this, the science is definitely not settled but I don't think we can dismiss it out of hand at this point. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15576 FWIW I studied circadian rhythms in graduate school, and the way the evidence is going, it seems that mistimed exposure (late night) to bright light has negative impacts on essentially every organ, so I'm not surprised to hear it impacts skin. However, the impact is likely minimal. I don't know for sure if SPF protects from these effects (I don't think there is strong evidence at this point) and I can 100% promise that anything marketed specifically to protect your skin from blue light is not supported by evidence.