By: Tyra Roberson | nutraMetrix Program Coordinator
Did you know that radiant, resilient skin requires daily sun protection 365 days a year? When considering sun protection, many people associate sunscreen use with sunny summer days or outdoor activities. However, maintaining healthy and resilient skin requires consistent sun protection every day of the year. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate through clouds and even glass, exposing your skin to potential damage regardless of the season or weather conditions.
No matter your age, skin tone, or skin type, integrating sunscreen into your daily routine is one of the smartest, science-backed choices you can make for healthy, glowing skin. By making sun protection a non-negotiable part of your skincare regimen, you are prioritizing the long-term health, strength, and appearance of your skin.
Why Sunscreen is a Year-Round Essential
Ultraviolet (UV) rays remain present and active regardless of temperature or weather conditions. Whether the day is cloudy, clear, snowy, or sunny, UV exposure continues to affect the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (n.d.), up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds and reflect off surfaces such as snow and water, making year-round protection necessary. Consistent sunscreen use helps maintain a more even skin tone, preserves skin hydration, and stops daily environmental stressors in their tracks.
The Science of Sunscreen for Every Skin Tone
Here’s what often gets missed: sunscreen is for everyone, and skin of color. Melanin offers some degree of natural protection, but recent scientific reviews have shown that deeper skin tones are still susceptible to UV-related changes, such as discoloration, premature aging, and loss of elasticity (Song, 2020). In fact, hyperpigmentation and uneven tone are especially common for those with deeper skin tones, making year-round sun protection essential especially during the intense summer months.
A study published in the Dermatology and Therapy journal stresses that individuals with a range of skin tones benefit from daily sunscreen use and reiterates the importance of choosing broad-spectrum coverage regardless of ethnicity or season (Song, 2020). By making sunscreen a daily habit, you are supporting smooth, healthy, and vibrant skin all year long.
Understanding SPF Levels and Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures the degree of protection a sunscreen offers against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are primarily responsible for causing sunburn and contribute to skin aging. An SPF number indicates how much longer it would take for your skin to redden with the sunscreen, compared to without it. For example, SPF 30 allows about 1/30th of UVB rays to reach your skin, providing 30 times more protection than having no sunscreen applied (Diffey, 2001).
For broad coverage, it is essential to choose a sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum,” which protects against both UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and contribute to photoaging and pigmentation (Wang, 2014).
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen:
- Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen: Ensures full protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Choose an appropriate SPF: For daily use, dermatology associations recommend SPF 30 or higher. Those with a deep skin tone, a history of pigmentation, or significant outdoor exposure may benefit from SPF 50 or above (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.).
- Consider your skin type and sensitivity: For sensitive or acne-prone skin, look for mineral-based sunscreens, which are less likely to cause irritation.
- Water and sweat resistance: If you spend time swimming or exercising outdoors, select a formula labeled as “water-resistant.”
For reliable, broad-spectrum sun protection, check out nutraMetrix® Lumière de Vie® Daily Brightening Broad Spectrum SPF 50 and nutraMetrix Cellular Laboratories® De-Aging Sunscreen SPF 50, both formulated to shield your skin from UV damage and Smooths, softens and moisturizes the skin throughout the day. By understanding SPF levels and making an informed choice based on your activities, skin needs, and sun exposure, you can better protect your skin’s health throughout the year.
Get Your Glow on Every Single Day!
Prioritizing daily sunscreen is an essential way to honor and protect your natural beauty. Pairing advanced sun protection from nutraMetrix with nourishing vitamins such as supplementing with nutraMetrix Isotonix vitamin C, a powerhouse nutrient that supports optimal immune function, delivers antioxidant protection, and promotes healthy bones, muscles, and skin — ensures you’re giving your skin everything it needs to look and feel its best. By making sunscreen and targeted supplements a regular part of your wellness ritual, you support radiant, healthy skin all year round. So, as you embrace the sunshine this summer and beyond, let your commitment to sunscreen become the foundation of your daily skin health routine.
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Sunscreen FAQs. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-prevention/sunscreen-faqs
Narayanan, D. L., Saladi, R. N., & Fox, J. L. (2020). Ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer. Journal of the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists, 12(2), 50-54. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647520301568?via%3Dihub
Diffey, B.L. (2001). Sunscreens: Efficacy and Controversies. British Journal of Dermatology
Wang, S.Q., Setlow, R., Berwick, M., Polsky, D., Marghoob, A.A., Kopf, A.W., & Bart, R.S. (2001). Ultraviolet A and melanoma: a review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.