Daily Sunscreen Use: The Best Sunscreen For Everyday Use

We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen every day. Rain or shine, you should never leave the house without slathering on some SPF. Even on the cloudiest of days, UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause sun damage to your skin. If you don’t put on sunscreen, you’re making yourself susceptible to premature signs of aging, like wrinkles and leathery skin, but also more serious health effects, like skin cancer.

Wearing sunscreen every single day is imperative for a multitude of reasons. Wearing sunscreen reduces your risk of painful sunburn and prevents skin discoloration. It prevents signs of aging and inflammation and reduces your risk of skin cancer. But that being said, you can’t just put on any old sunscreen and call it a day. In order to properly protect your skin from the sun, you have to choose the best sunscreen for daily use.

There are a few qualifications that you should keep in mind when shopping for the best sunscreen for everyday use. The best sunscreen for daily use will be made with clean ingredients that are gentle and safe to put on your skin every day. You should always carefully read the ingredients on sunscreen before purchasing one so you choose a sunscreen that’s safe and effective.

In this article, we’ll be going over the various qualifications to consider for the best sunscreen for everyday use. We’ll also be covering how the sun damages your skin and why wearing sunscreen every day is so important. To learn more about how to choose the best body sunscreen for everyday use, continue reading this article or use the links below to skip to a section of your choice.

• How Sun Damages Your Skin
• 4 Reasons for Daily Sunscreen Use
• What Is The Best Sunscreen For Everyday Use
• Everyday Sunscreen For The Whole Family
• Daily Sunscreen FAQs
• Sun-Safe All Year Long

How Sun Damages Your Skin

Whether you’re spending a day basking in the sun or running errands, sun exposure can have both short-term and long-term effects on your skin.

Short-Term Effects

There’s nothing worse than coming home after a nice day at the beach, looking in the mirror, and realizing that you didn’t put on enough sunscreen and now you’re as red as a lobster. Most people know about (and have experienced!) the short-term effects of too much sun exposure: a red, painful sunburn.

We all know what sunburn is, but how exactly does it happen?

A sunburn is caused by ultraviolet radiation that damages the skin. When UV rays reach your skin, they damage your skin cells, which causes mutations in their DNA. Our bodies can naturally repair themselves, but if your skin gets too much sun exposure, your skin cells will be damaged beyond repair and the cells will eventually die. When this happens, your blood vessels will dilate to increase your blood flow and bring immune cells to the skin. This entire process is what causes the red, swollen, and painful skin that you experience with a sunburn.

A mild sunburn will be uncomfortable, but a more severe sunburn can cause swelling and blisters. There are a host of other side effects that you can experience with a more severe sunburn, like headache, fever, nausea, and fatigue. But the best way to prevent getting any type of sunburn is to just wear enough sunscreen every single day.

Long-Term Effects

We’ve all experienced sunburn before and probably didn’t think much of it. But while sunburns might come and go, the long-term effects of sun exposure are far more serious. 

Year after year of unprotected sun exposure has two main long-term effects: premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Too much sun can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots showing up before they should! When your skin gets sunburned, it will work to repair itself by shedding dead skin cells and replacing them. This repair process goes on every time you’re exposed to UV radiation. But as you get older, it becomes harder for your skin to repair itself, which is why long-term exposure to the sun will make you more susceptible to premature aging. The more sun exposure you get, the quicker you’re going to see early signs of aging on your skin.

Secondly, and the most worrisome, cumulative sun exposure leaves you at risk for skin cancer. When you’re exposed to UV rays, the rays can damage your DNA and cause the cells to rapidly grow and divide, which can lead to clumps of extra cells. These clumps of extra cells can either be cancerous or harmless. 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it’s typically caused by exposure to UV rays. Skin cancer will typically first appear as a small spot on your skin, but it can spread to other organs. The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, and they affect more than 2 million people each year. 

No one wants sunburn, premature aging, or skin cancer, that’s for sure! And only applying sunscreen during the dog days of summer is not enough to protect your skin.

Armoring up against the unwanted effects of sun damage involves (you guessed it) wearing sunscreen on the reg. After learning about the various short-term and long-term effects of sun damage, you may be wondering: Should you use sunscreen every day? And the answer is, absolutely.

Here are four reasons why daily sunscreen is a must.

4 Reasons For Daily Sunscreen Use

1) Ultraviolet Rays Are Present All Year

The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are what tan, burn, and damage your skin. And the sun emits UV rays all year round!

This is one of the reasons that daily sunscreen is essential. You need protection from the sun any time you’re outside — every day and all year — not just on your beach trip.

With that being said, it’s true that ultraviolet rays are stronger during certain seasons and times of the day.

The American Cancer Society says, “UV rays are stronger during spring and summer months. This is less of a factor near the equator.” The rays are also stronger during the middle of the day, somewhere between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

To find out when the rays are the strongest and present the most danger, check your local weather forecast for the UV Index.

This number will tell you how strong the UV rays are at a given point in the day so you can plan your activities (and your sun protection) accordingly.

While you should put extra thought into sun protection during the summer months and the middle of the day, UV rays are shining down all year long. Daily sunscreen, in the long run, will protect your skin!

2) The Clouds Won’t Protect You

Ah, sweet relief! The shade of the clouds feels good on a hot, sunny day. But keep in mind that the clouds don’t necessarily protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.

The American Cancer Society notes, “The effect of clouds can vary, but what’s important to know is that UV rays can get through to the ground, even on a cloudy day.”

This is another reason why daily sunscreen is your best friend. Even if you don’t feel like your skin is getting toasty on an overcast day, it can still be damaged by the sun.

3) UVA Rays Can Go Through Glass

Another reason you should wear daily sunscreen is that you can still be exposed to the damaging rays of the sun even when you’re in your house or car. Say what? Let us explain.

The sun gives off three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. We only have to deal with the first two since UVC rays don’t make it past the ozone layer.

Are you protected from UVA and UVB rays if you’re inside the house or in your car? Yes and no.

The Skin Cancer Foundation tells us, “While glass blocks UVB rays pretty well, it doesn’t block UVA rays. Windshields are treated to shield drivers from some UVA, but side, back, and sunroof windows usually aren’t.”

That means if you’re sitting by the window in your living room, in the car, or on a bus, plane, or train, UVA rays are finding their way to your skin. Meaning you should use skin protection.

Ahem, did someone say daily sunscreen?

4) Sun Damage Doesn’t Only Happen When You Burn

Those who have naturally dark skin may be tempted to skimp on sunscreen or not apply it every day since they don’t burn easily.

If that’s you, you should know that your skin can still be damaged by the sun even if you don’t feel the sting of a red sunburn!

Severe sunburn is, of course, damaging to your skin. But so is continuous, unprotected sun exposure without burning. The effect over time can add up.

As time goes by, sun damage will show up as wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. And, as we mentioned, unprotected exposure also leaves you susceptible to skin cancer.

Getting in the habit of applying sunscreen daily will protect your skin from cumulative sun damage.

What Is The Best Sunscreen For Everyday Use

Now that you understand the importance of applying sunscreen every day, you might want to head to your nearest store and stock up on some sun protection.

But before you go grabbing any sunscreen, it’s important to know that they aren’t all created equal. So how do you choose the right one for you and your family?

Let’s take a look!

1) Pay Attention To The Active Ingredients

There are two types of sunscreens — mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. As you might have guessed, the ingredients in each differ significantly.

In chemical sunscreen, some of the active ingredients are oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone.

Chemical sunscreen might protect you from the harmful rays of the sun, but that comes at a cost for both you and the environment!

The chemicals in the sunscreen can penetrate your skin and eventually enter your bloodstream.

On the other hand, mineral sunscreen is made from only two active ingredients— zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals stay on the surface of your skin and don’t penetrate it. They also get a good rating with The Environmental Working Group.

We’ll talk more about some of the options you have, but for now, it’s just important to note that opting for mineral sunscreen is good for both your skin and the environment.

2) Look At The SPF

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how well your sunscreen will protect you from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. These rays are known for causing sunburn, premature skin aging, and contributing to skin cancer.

When you use daily sunscreen, the sun protection must have the right amount of SPF for you and your needs.

But what number should you be looking for?

The American Academy of Dermatology highlights that, “Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s UVB rays.”

While on this topic, it’s essential to highlight that using a product with a higher SPF doesn’t mean that it will last longer. You still need to reapply the sunscreen every couple of hours to ensure that you continue getting adequate protection!

One last note: We mentioned above that sunscreen should protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, but not all of them do.

To make sure your family is completely protected, look for a sunscreen that’s labeled “broad-spectrum.”

3) Make Sure It’s Gentle On Skin

As we mentioned above, some sunscreen products are loaded with lots of chemical ingredients. These chemicals can end up clogging your pores and can cause irritation.

You need a product that will be effective without harming you! But it should also have moisturizing qualities and be gentle on your skin.

You can find all these qualities in Babo Botanicals mineral sunscreens. So now that you understand what to look for in a sunscreen, let’s get to some products at Babo Botanicals that you’re sure to love!

Everyday Sunscreen For The Whole Family

As we’ve seen, you need to protect yourself from the sun on cloudy days as well as sunny days; in the winter as well as summer; when you hit the pool and when you take a road trip; whether you have fair skin or dark skin.

Daily sunscreen to the rescue!

When most people think of daily sunscreen, a facial sunscreen comes to mind, like a foundation for the ladies. But daily sunscreen can and should also be for your whole family — mom, dad, and kids included!

Here are three safe and effective sunscreens that will work for everyone.

Daily Sheer Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Babo Botanicals’s Daily Sheer Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen is the perfect protection for everyday wear. It adds luminosity to your skin while guarding against the harmful rays of the sun!

Made with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, this mineral sunscreen is dermatologist tested and easy on sensitive skin. It also contains a Nutri-Firm™

Complex of Kahai Oil, Sea Buckthorn, and Argan Oil and is packed with powerful antioxidants, omegas, and Vitamin C.

Oh, and to combat the aging effects of the sun even more, we’ve enriched our formula with anti-aging hyaluronic acid. What more could you ask of a sunscreen?

Wear it alone or under your foundation. It’s lightweight, clean, and non-greasy!

Daily Sheer Facial Sunscreen SPF 40

If you prefer a daily facial sunscreen without a tint to it, Babo Botanicals’s Daily Sheer Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 is for you. With this ultra-sheer, lightweight formula, protect your skin all day without even knowing you’re wearing sunscreen!

Made with Organic Aloe Vera, Avocado, and Jojoba Oil to soothe and moisturize your skin, it also fights off ultraviolet rays with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.

Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Pump Spray

Don’t leave the little ones out of the sunscreen ritual! Babo Botanicals’s Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF30 is a great option for daily sun protection.

Our Zinc Oxide formula comes in a non-aerosol pump spray for easy application. We’ve formulated it to be non-whitening and oh-so-gentle on your baby’s soft, delicate skin.

Even better, it’s fragrance-free, gluten-free, and contains no irritating chemicals, like Oxybenzone or Octinoxate.

Daily Sunscreen FAQs

Which Sunscreen Is Best For Daily Use?

There are various factors that you should keep in mind when shopping for a good sunscreen for daily use. The best sunscreen for everyday use will be a mineral sunscreen that is made from only two active ingredients– zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It will also need to be broad-spectrum, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and will have a SPF of at least 30. Lastly, the best body sunscreen for everyday uses should be made with gentle ingredients that won’t clog your pores or cause irritation. It should be gentle on the skin and safe to use every single day.

Choosing a sunscreen that has these qualities means you’ll be properly protecting your skin from the sun every day. Wearing sunscreen every day prevents early signs of aging, reduces your risk of sunburn and skin cancer, and prevents inflammation and skin discoloration. So if you want to have healthy skin that can make you look younger, make sure to wear sunscreen every single day, rain or shine!

When Is The Best Time To Apply Sunscreen?

As highlighted above, if you’re going to be outside, it’s essential to use sunscreen every day to help keep your skin protected all year long.

With chemical sunscreen, you would need to apply the product around 30 minutes before leaving. However, mineral sunscreen can be effective immediately, while some just need you to apply them 15 minutes before exposure to the sun.

Where Should You Apply The Sunscreen And How Often?

All areas of your skin that won’t be protected by clothing should have a generous amount of sunscreen on them.

Most people will forget about the neck, ears, top of the head (if you don’t have hair), or even the feet. It’s essential that any exposed skin gets daily sunscreen!

Most mineral sunscreens leave you with a visible white layer of film residue on your skin. Luckily, not all sunscreen products are this way. Our Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF30 is light and clear and doesn’t leave residue behind.

After applying your sunscreen, remember to keep reapplying it every couple of hours or so. And if you’re going to be swimming at the beach or in a pool, you need to reapply after patting yourself dry with your towel.

If you’re not used to being this diligent with your sunscreen, it can feel a little overwhelming. But it’s essential to remember that you’re doing this to help your skin stay safe and look healthy, so all this trouble is worth it!

Can You Still Use Sunscreen From Last Year?

Before reading this article, maybe your sunscreen lasted a little longer because you weren’t using it every day. Now, we hope you understand the importance of daily sunscreen usage.

If you’ll be using your sun protection every day, this means that your bottle shouldn’t last that long.

However, if you’ve been indoors for a while and you find yourself with an older bottle of sunscreen, always check the expiration date on the bottle. If it’s already passed, it’s best to throw it out and get a new one that will do its job.

You can also look for other signs, such as a change in color, consistency, or smell. Any of these are an indication that the product is long past its expiration date.

Sun-Safe All Year Long

Since the sun’s rays shine down on you all year long regardless of the weather, sun protection should also be a year-round habit.

If you’re not yet in the habit of applying a daily sunscreen, it’s not too late to start! Protecting yourself and your family from the sun is so important and easier than you think.

Choose a safe, effective, and mineral-based sunscreen, like Babo Botanicals’s Daily Sheer Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen or Daily Sheer Facial Sunscreen SPF 40. Apply it every single day, rain or shine!

For the little ones, get into the habit with our easy-to-apply Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF30

Daily sunscreen is a great big step toward sun-safety year-round!