Despite summer coming to a close, sunscreen is just as important to your daily routine as ever. If you aren’t a skincare junkie like me, daily SPF(Sun Protection Factor) protection probably seems like a useless timewaster on your way out the door, but let’s look at the data. 

According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US; which truly, isn’t that surprising. The widespread appeal of glowing “sunkissed” (or burned) tanned skin has overridden many people’s precautions when it comes to protecting against sun damage. Though genetically fairer skin tones may be more at risk of developing skin cancer (proven by the Skin Cancer Foundation), skin damage and cancer can happen to anyone. Not only does daily SPF protect against skin cancer, but also hyperpigmentation, premature aging, dark spots, and of course, sun burns. So, as annoying as it is to apply sunscreen, your skin will thank you in the long run.

Here are some tips and recommendations to make it an easier process. 

Firstly, pick a sunscreen that you don’t hate using, this will ensure that you actually apply it each morning. It can be mineral or chemical, the only thing that matters is that it is SPF 30 or higher, this will ensure that you get adequate protection from it. Secondly, make sure to use at least a penny size amount, if you use less, you may not be getting full protection from it. Lastly, if you know you are going to be exposed to the sun for a long time, make sure every inch of exposed skin has sunscreen on it. 

Lots of sunscreen products are thick, pasty, and a pain to work into your skin, so here are some of my recommendations that are a bit more enjoyable to use. I love the Saie tinted moisturizer with SPF 35 for the face, a cheaper alternative is the Cerave SPF 30 tinted moisturizer, which is similar. The tint in these sunscreens makes it so that the mineral sun filters used don’t create a bad white cast… If you are looking for higher protection and absolutely no risk of white cast, check out any of the very popular supergoop sunscreens. They have a variety of formulas chemical and mineral, suited for every different skin type and personal preference. For more recommendations and information, check out the number one sunscreen supporter and skincare content creator Hyram, on Youtube or tiktok, It’s better to start applying SPF now, instead of waiting until the damage has been done. This probably sounded like a lecture from your mom, but hopefully you are a little more motivated to apply a daily SPF!