The One Skin-Care Product Everyone Should Be Using Daily

There are these common misconceptions surrounding sunscreen application where many people think that if they don’t tan easily or it’s cloudy outside, it’s okay to skip out on SPF. Well, we’re here to put these rumors to end once and for all. Whether you have sensitive skin, oily skin, fair skin, dark skin or anything in between, leaving your complexion unprotected from UVA and UVB rays can lead to sun damage all year. Don’t believe us? Here, we tapped Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, MD FAAD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare, to explain why all skin types need to add SPF to their daily skin-care regimen. 

Why Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen Everyday?

There are many different benefits for wearing sunscreen everyday. The most well known is that it helps protect us against harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause skin cancer over a prolonged period of time and exposure. Dr. Ciraldo says using sunscreen everyday also helps to fade and prevent hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin texture and signs of aging (think: fine lines and wrinkles). She adds that the immediate effects of not wearing sunscreen, particularly on a sunny day, can be anything from sunburns and uneven pigmentation to prolonged redness. We know what you’re thinking — so, what if it’s cloudy outside? It’s important to note that UVB rays can cause skin damage all year round. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the earth on a cloudy day, which can lead to skin damage if left unprotected. 

Do All Skin Types Need Sunscreen Everyday?

To put it plainly, “all skin types need sun protection,” says Dr. Ciraldo. While people with fair, sensitive skin who are prone to burning easily may seem like the only ones who need protection, everyone — including olive skin tones and every shade after — should be slathering sunscreen before stepping outside. When shopping for a sunscreen to add to your daily skin-care routine, Dr. Ciraldo recommends looking for formulas with SPF 30 to 50 to get sufficient protection. As for how much to use, she says, “the guidelines are a full shot glass to cover the whole body.” Need a recommendation? We love the CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen with SPF 50 for its ability to provide your skin with UVA and UVB protection while coating your complexion with skin-loving ingredients, like hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration, niacinamides to help calm the skin and ceramides, which help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. For your body, be sure to grab the CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 Body Lotion, which offers the same protective benefits. You can also try the Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant SPF 40 Sunscreen, which protects against UV rays and light from digital sources known High Energy Visible Light (HEV). Dr. Ciraldo says, HEV light can be more damaging to skin than UV so this sunscreen is meant to be used daily indoors and outdoors.

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