You’ve heard it over and over again, whether it’s from your mom when you were a kid (or adult) or a YouTube video: wear sunscreen. Well, I (a previously avid sunscreen hater) am here to tell you that you must. Every day. No matter the season. All year round on your face, ears, neck, chest, shoulders, hands, and on the rest of your body if it is exposed (like when you are tanning).
You may think this is excessive. However, as stated by GoodRx Health, “Sun damage adds up over the years” even if you are not outside for long periods of time (Maria Robinson, GoodRx Health GoodRx Sunscreen).
If you’ve ever watched or read a celebrity’s skincare routine, especially from one who is older and wiser, they all mention sunscreen. Lori Loughlin (controversial, I know), for example, looks great for her age and credits it all to sunscreen. According to Kylie Jenner, Khloé Kardashian has the youngest looking hands because of what? Sunscreen.
You may be asking why not just your face. Well, obviously every area exposed to the sun has the risk of damage and cancer. However, with your neck, chest, shoulders, and hands, those tend to show aging the quickest and most and are the hardest to hide or reverse. SkincareByHyram and many celebrities have commented on this (and we all know celebrities have access to the best skin care specialists). So, it is extra important to pay attention to those areas (with skincare in general).
In addition, it is not just that you wear it, but also how much and at what level. A little dab won’t cut it. Make sure you put just as much on, say, your neck as you would on your face. A minimum of SPF 30 is suggested because dermatologists have recommend that “using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 … blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays” (AAD.org AAD.org Sunscreen).
I personally use the Neutrogena Clear Skin SPF 30 sunscreen. SkincareByHyram on Youtube and TikTok has great recommendations for all skin types, races, and price ranges.
Overall, use sunscreen. Your fifty-year-old self will thank you. And no, it does not stop you from getting tan.