The Daily Skin's Sunscreen Routine
If you want to love the bejesus out of your skin, follow The Daily Skin's Sunscreen Routine, and you'll be good to go. After you rinse with a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizer to the face and body, it's time to slather it on:
SPF 50 and above + broad spectrum = the golden standard. SPF 50 and above protects against 98-100% of UVB radiation from the sun. I recommend SPF 50 and above because it's guaranteed coverage, and anything below reaches toward the 80th percentile of coverage. A side note: Since SPF only pertains to UVB radiation, it's important to find a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA radiation as well.
Only slather SPF to the areas of the body that are exposed. There is no need to apply sunscreen to areas of your body that are covered! If the area is covered by opaque clothing, skip it.
You need to lather a decent amount to remain effective throughout the day, and apply it in layers if you can. Reapply every 90 minutes if you're outdoors and after taking a dip in the water. Reapply every 2 hours if you're mostly inside, or running errands. Now, every 2 hours sounds a bit excessiveâsure. We do this because our skin is constantly excreting sweat and oils, and this can disrupt the protective layer we've created with SPF. For each instance you'd be applying SPF, I recommend slathering on two layers per application.
For cosmetic and health reasons, try to stay consistent with this routine daily, no matter what season. We spoke about UVA radiation, being present through all seasons in this article. This particular form of UV radiation is the cause of aging and wrinkling, but it also has been linked to skin cancers. Although UVB damage has a higher correlation to skin cancer in, UVA radiation can cause the same amount of damage after prolonged periods of time. This is why I advocate for SPF even in the winter. If your desk is next to a window, UVA rays can penetrate the window and reach your skin. So, slather up! Need sunscreen recommendations? Hereâs a brand that wonât break the bank, hereâs another thatâs a little fancier, and hereâs one thatâs amazing for face coverage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of skin cancer, contact your local healthcare professional for an exam and rule it out.
References
Skin Cancer and Sunlight. (2016, June 22). Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/skin_cancer.html















