Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
Many people jump into stores on nearby beaches for sun protection. There's also a spike in sales of SPF products every summer.
This goes to show that we know so little about UV exposure that we tend to forget about the harmful effects it has despite the season.
If you ask why you should apply sunscreen even if you live in a shadowy region, this one fact will surprise you.
Sun exposure happens every day, no matter how weak the sun's shine seems to be. Now that you know, here are some reasons why you need to keep your sun protection up all year round.
The damage to the skin may be very obvious during the summer months. This is why we apply sunscreen before going out.
However, the sun’s rays penetrate clouds. This makes it possible for UV damage to occur even on overcast days. This means that going out with no skin protection just because it's shady is a huge mistake.
Did you bother applying sunscreen every winter? You'll be surprised to know that you should. Snow, sand, and water reflect the harmful rays. Thus, the beach is definitely not the only place for sunscreen.
Indoor exposure matters, too. UV rays pass through windows and can damage skin even while driving or sitting near a window.
UV radiation leads to cumulative skin damage. Daily exposure to the sun is just as harmful as the occasional sunburns you get while playing volleyball on the seashore.
Early signs of sun damage include uneven skin tone and fine lines. Hyperpigmentation as an effect of sun exposure is already common knowledge. If you experience these, it may be time to reassess your skin routine.
Over time, repeated exposure contributes to deeper wrinkles. Not only will your skin lose its natural elasticity, but you will also become prone to more skin conditions.
If you have eczema, your risk of acquiring other skin diseases is much higher. Consult your dermatologist for skin protection solutions that suit you.
Looks like the sun's rays also speed up aging. Hence, some people appear to be over fifty, while they only reach past thirty due to the wrinkles and patches of their skin.
So, if you want to stop the advanced aging process, you better grab a good sunscreen now. Apart from preventing sunburns and hyperpigmentation, sunscreen is also an effective anti-aging tool.
A high-SPF sunscreen helps maintain collagen. This practice eventually reduces the appearance of fine lines. Daily SPF use improves overall skin texture and prevents sun spots.
Another reason to take skin protection seriously is skin cancer. It's a common type of cancer, in which UV exposure is the primary culprit.
When it comes to ultraviolet rays, there is no exception. Even minor sun exposure without protection damages your DNA over time.
If you know a relative diagnosed with skin or other cancer types, you must be extra careful.
Protection from the sun reduces the chances of developing skin cancer. Better apply something on than nothing.
Fortunately, protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is incredibly easy.
If you have very important things to take care of and not going out is not an option, consider these simple ways.
Sun protection is essential not just for those lazy beach days, but for daily life—year-round.
Protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays prevents premature aging, skin damage, and the risk of skin cancer.
Whether you're indoors, outdoors, or in between, incorporating sun protection into your routine is an easy and effective way to maintain your skin’s health.
Make sunscreen a daily habit, and your future self will thank you.
