Protecting Your Skin From the Sun, Every Day

A woman with glowing skin outdoors in golden sunlight wearing a wide-brimmed hat

Sun protection is the most effective thing you can do for your skin, and today is the perfect moment to make it automatic. Most visible sun damage builds up quietly over years. What you do now decides how your skin looks and feels for decades.

Why it matters now

Ultraviolet light breaks down collagen, causes dark spots and uneven tone and raises the risk of skin cancer. You may not see the effects yet, but they add up with every unprotected day. Sunscreen, shade and clothing are the three things dermatologists recommend over and over. The NHS has a helpful page on sunscreen and sun safety.

Choose a sunscreen you will actually use

The best sunscreen is the one you enjoy wearing. The American Academy of Dermatology explains how to choose a sunscreen. In short, look for:

Broad-spectrum protection, which covers UVA and UVB rays.
SPF 30 or higher.
Water resistance if you swim, sweat or exercise outdoors.
A texture you like. Light fluids, gels and tinted formulas are easier to wear under make-up.

Apply it properly

Use about a teaspoon for your face and neck, and enough to cover each exposed body area.
Apply 15 minutes before going outside.
Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or heavy sweating.
Do not forget your ears, the back of your neck, your hands and the tops of your feet.

Cloudy days and windows count

Much UV light passes through clouds, and UVA passes through glass. Wearing sunscreen on your commute and at your desk by a window is part of the habit, not an extra.

More than sunscreen

Seek shade around midday, when the sun is strongest.
Wear a hat and sunglasses that block UV light.
Choose protective clothing for long days outdoors.
Skip tanning beds. There is no safe tan.

Check your skin

Look over your skin once a month. See a doctor or dermatologist about any mole that changes shape, colour or size, or a sore that does not heal. Early detection makes a big difference, and the NHS lists the signs of melanoma skin cancer to look out for.

The best anti-ageing product is the one you put on every morning.

This article is for adults and offers general information, not medical advice. If you have any concerns about your skin, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist.