When it comes to building a solid skincare routine–one that will keep you looking and feeling healthy and radiant over time–no regimen is complete without sunscreen. With all of the many anti-aging moisturizers, serums (vitamin C, we’re looking at you) and creams that boast line-smoothing, brightening and skin tone evening benefits, we can sometimes forget the equally important player that will not only enhance these effects, but also save our skin from the harmful damage of the sun.
If you’ve ever asked yourself: Do I need to wear sunscreen every day? Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Definitely yes. Keep reading to find out just how important it is to invest in sunscreen as a part of your daily skincare routine for healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Benefits of Sunscreen
Premature Skin Aging Prevention
If anti-aging is a major concern of yours, you’ll be happy to know that sunscreen is one of the first lines of defense against photoaging and sun damage. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance, “helps protect your skin from sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer.” The AAD continues,“Sunscreen can also help prevent premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, caused by too much unprotected UV exposure.”I
Skin Cancer Prevention
Broad-spectrum sunscreen blocks both types of ultraviolet (UV) rays–UVA (associated with skin aging) and UVB (associated with sunburn)–that can cause skin cancer. The AAD reports, “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.”II Applying an ounce of sunscreen (or a shot glass full) to the entire body 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying every two hours is recommended for adequate sun protection.
Efficacy of Other Skincare Products
Often underutilized and underrecognized as a workhorse in our daily skincare routine, sunscreen (when applied correctly) not only blocks harmful sun rays, but can also help enhance the efficacy of other products in your routine (like vitamin C and niacinamide) by preventing the worsening of hyperpigmentation, sun spots, uneven skin tone, melasma and more.
Debunking Sunscreen Myths with Facts
Wearing sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do to protect your skin daily (along with protective clothing), but there are a number of misconceptions on who should wear it and when. Let’s dive into some of the most common myths surrounding sunscreen use.
MYTH #1: Sunscreen for dark skin tones isn’t needed because melanin provides sun protection.
FACT: It’s For All Skin Tones
Yes–everyone needs sunscreen! While increased melanin can protect against sunburns, UV ray exposure can lead to skin cancer and speed up signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles on all skin tones.
MYTH #2: You only need to wear sunscreen when it’s sunny.
FACT: Wear It All-Year-Round
Wearing sunscreen is an all-year-round skincare must! Even in colder months or when clouds are present, UV ray protection is needed. The AAD says, “Unprotected exposure to UV rays from the sun or indoor tanning devices is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.”III
MYTH #3: You don’t need to wear sunscreen when indoors.
FACT: Wear It Indoors & Outdoors
Anywhere and anytime your skin is exposed to UV rays, you’ll need to wear sunscreen–even indoors! Board-certified dermatologist and IT Cosmetics Advisory Board member, Dr. Camille Howard, says, “I always tell my patients: buy the SPF you will actually use! It’s imperative we are using SPF every day–rain or shine, indoors or outdoors–as harmful UV rays pass through windows and cloud cover.”
Meet IT Cosmetics’ Invisible Sunscreen For Face with SPF 50
With more sun protection options becoming available, finding the right option for you can get tricky, but the best sunscreen is the one that you’ll want to wear every day. We’ve perfected SPF foundation with our iconic CC+ Cream–the #1 SPF Foundation in America.* Now you can experience that same multitasking, skin-loving SPF in your skincare routine with Hello Sunshine Invisible Sunscreen For Face SPF 50. “Hello Sunshine’s invisible finish, lightweight, hydrating feel and makeup compatibility make it easier than ever to wear SPF daily–which is something we all need to do,” Dr. Howard says.
If the thought of wearing sunscreen alone or under your makeup makes you think twice about wearing sunscreen altogether, give Hello Sunshine a try. Not only will you get undetectable, broad-spectrum sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays (without the white cast or greasy oil buildup that other sunscreens can cause), but you’ll also experience skin-loving benefits instantly and over time.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE HELLO SUNSHINE INVISIBLE SUNSCREEN FOR FACE
- It's your daily 3-in-1: SPF 50 sun and pollution protection, hydrating serum and makeup primer
- Plays nice with makeup: Lightweight with no pilling or greasiness
- Invisible finish (no white cast!): Sun protection that looks great on all skin tones
- Skin-loving ingredients: 1% pro-vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid
SAY “HELLO” TO REAL RESULTS
Instantly: Plumper skin** + up to 48 hours of hydration^
In just 1 week: Experience smoother, softer and brighter skin**
Make sunscreen a daily part of your skincare routine with or without makeup. Learn more about the benefits of our 3-in-1 invisible sunscreen for face.
*Source: Circana/U.S. Prestige Beauty Total Measured Market, #1 Selling Brand Based on Makeup Sales, January-December 2023.
**Results based on a 1-week consumer study.
^Hydration results based on a 48-hr instrumental corneometer study.
I. “Skin Cancer.” American Academy of Dermatology, April 22, 2022.
II. “Sunscreen FAQs.” American Academy of Dermatology, October 19, 2023.
III. “Vitamin D Stats and Facts.” American Academy of Dermatology, February 23, 2023.
