Why Sun Protection is a Non-Negotiable & Smart Ways to Protect Your Skin Without Missing the Sun’s Benefits

ErinMarch 25, 2025

When I was a teenager, I had friends who would go to tanning beds religiously, and they were bronzed goddesses. I was so jealous! My mom wouldn’t let me go because she knew how dangerous they were. As a teen who was firmly entrenched in “I am invincible” mode, I didn’t care. I was embarrassed by my super pale skin. I mean, I wasn’t just white, I was pink—think Piglet from Winnie the Pooh. So, to cover up, I wore nude pantyhose under my skirts with socks and Keds on top. Yeah, that definitely fooled everyone… not! Don’t get me started on the oompa loompa orange look I got from the Coppertone sunless tanner…and the STENCH. UGH!

When I was 18, I moved to southern California (that’s a story for another day). My first spring and summer there, I ran to the tanning bed as fast as I could. I vividly remember the day I finally reached the full 20 minute limit on the bed’s timer. The owners actually high-fived me because it was such a momentous occasion! I had worked hard for that base tan. On top of that, I spent my days off at the pool or the beach whenever it was warm enough. Up until then, I only remembered having one sunburn in my first 18 years. So, any sun damage I had when I got these scans done (below) at 30 was from a relatively short period of time.

The Wake-Up Call: What Lurked Beneath

Fast forward to when I was 30. I got scanned to see how much sun damage I had accumulated over the years. The results shocked me. What I saw under the surface of my skin was unsettling. These scans can go pretty deep, and I had no idea what I was in for.

When I saw the scans, I was taken aback by the damage that had been done. Wrinkles? I already had more wrinkles developing beneath the surface than 88% of women my age. EIGHTY-EIGHT PERCENT! Those green lines? They’re exactly where my first wrinkles popped up.

As for UV spots, just on the left side of my face, at 30, I had 136 age/sun spots developing below the skin’s surface. (They finally started surfacing in my mid-forties.) That’s how much sun damage I had, and it made me want to grab every young woman I knew by the shoulders and shake it into them—“Don’t wait until you’re in damage control mode. Take care of your skin now!!!” I sure wish I had listened…

How the Sun Ages Us: The Science Behind It

We’ve all heard the phrase “sun damage,” but have you ever stopped to think about exactly how those harmful rays affect our skin at a cellular level? Sun exposure—especially unprotected—accelerates the aging process in several ways, contributing to premature wrinkles, discoloration, and a loss of skin elasticity.

The sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are primarily responsible for aging signs such as wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines. These rays damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, which are the structural proteins that help your skin stay firm and youthful. Over time, this loss of collagen leads to the development of wrinkles and sagging.

UVB rays, on the other hand, cause sunburn and direct DNA damage to skin cells. These rays are responsible for the red, painful burns that many of us are all too familiar with. When UVB rays damage the DNA in skin cells, it can lead to mutations and, in some cases, an increased risk of skin cancer.

In short, unprotected sun exposure speeds up the aging process by breaking down collagen, impairing skin’s ability to repair itself, and triggering the formation of sunspots and wrinkles. The damage builds up over time, and while it may take years to become visible, the effects are cumulative.

The best way to prevent further aging from the sun? Sunscreen. Always. But if you’re a little behind the curve in sun protection, don’t worry—there are still ways to reverse some of the damage.

Protecting Your Skin: The Best Anti-Aging Defense

Sun damage is the number one cause of premature aging, in fact, Ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to sunlight is responsible for 90% of visible changes to your skin, especially on our faces, and it’s cumulative. That means every day you don’t wear sunscreen is another day of aging and potential skin damage. Protect your skin daily—rain or shine!

Here’s some visual evidence to drive home just how crucial sunscreen is. Take a look at these twins, Susan and Jeanne. They were raised in different households, yet their skin tells a very different story.

The Impact of Sun Exposure on Skin Aging:

61-year-old Susan (on the right) sunbathed, smoked for several years, and weighed 15 pounds less than her twin. Susan was a life-long sun worshipper and smoked off and on. On the other hand, Jeanne (left) made it a point to avoid the sun as much as possible.

The result? While Susan has darker, patchy discoloration, age spots, and a noticeable loss of elasticity (wrinkles, creases, and sagging), Jeanne’s skin has aged more gracefully. The difference in their skin health can be traced back to 2 main factors: sun exposure and smoking. Did you know that sun damage can age our skin as much as smoking?

Hold on though! Why the Sun Isn’t the Enemy

Before I go into a full-blown sunscreen rant, let’s talk about something important: The sun isn’t all bad! While excessive, unprotected exposure leads to skin aging, DNA damage, and even skin cancer, a little sunshine—without sunscreen—can actually benefit you.

Our bodies are designed to interact with natural light. Sunlight helps trigger the production of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, energy levels, and even mood regulation. Research shows that people who avoid the sun completely may have an increased risk of osteoporosis, depression, and certain autoimmune diseases. In fact, vitamin D production is one of the key reasons a little sun exposure is actually good for you.

Moderation Is Key: The Benefits of a Little Sun Exposure

About 10 to 30 minutes of direct sun exposure per day is all most people need for vitamin D production. Be sure to work your way up to that 30 minute mark gradually! Start with 5 minutes and build up from there.

The key is moderation: enough sun to boost your health without overexposing your skin and accelerating aging. The best time for this? Morning sunlight, when UV levels are lower. That way, you get the benefits without risking unnecessary damage.

In addition to boosting your health, sunlight exposure helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which improves sleep quality and mental well-being. It also boosts serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone, helping fight anxiety and depression.

But—again—the key is balance. A little sunlight is good, but always apply sunscreen if you’re going to be outside for longer periods of time.

Why Sunscreen Matters Even on Cloudy Days

One of the biggest misconceptions about sunscreen is that you only need it when it’s sunny and warm. This could not be further from the truth. UV radiation is present year-round, regardless of the weather.

Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning you’re still at risk of sun damage on overcast days. Plus, it’s estimated that snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation, making sunburns and skin damage just as likely in winter. UVA rays, which are responsible for premature aging, penetrate glass, and are at consistent levels year-round. That means you’re still being exposed even while indoors or driving in your car.

Many people are caught off guard in cooler weather because they don’t feel the sun’s heat, but damage is still happening at a cellular level. Don’t be fooled by overcast skies or cooler temps—wear sunscreen every day to protect against premature aging and long-term skin damage. Rain, shine, summer, or winter—SPF is non-negotiable!

Choosing Your Sunscreen : Physical vs. Chemical & Why It Matters

Now, let’s break down the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens and why it matters. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin, where they absorb UV rays, convert them into heat, and then release that heat. While this sounds effective, it comes with some significant downsides.

Chemical sunscreens require multiple chemicals to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, some of these chemicals—like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate to name just a few—are endocrine disruptors. They can mess with your hormones, and worse, they tend to build up in the body over time. Chemical sunscreens can also clog pores, irritate sensitive skin, and worsen dark spots and melasma. To top it off, they’ve been banned in places like Hawaii and the Florida Keys because of the damage they do to coral reefs.

On the other hand, physical sunscreens stay on top of the skin and work as a physical barrier. They reflect harmful UV rays away before they can cause damage. The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the superheroes of this category. They provide broad-spectrum protection, don’t disrupt hormones, and are gentle on sensitive skin. When shopping for a physical sunscreen, look for “non-nano” formulas to ensure the minerals stay on the skin’s surface where they belong.

Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun

We often think about protecting our skin from the sun, but what about our eyes? Many people wear sunglasses simply for comfort, to avoid squinting. But did you know that if your sunglasses aren’t properly equipped with UV protection, you could actually be doing more harm than good?

In bright light, our pupils contract to allow less light in. In shadows or dim lighting, our pupils dilate to let more light in. When you wear sunglasses, your pupils dilate because they sense the shade those glasses provide. But if your sunglasses don’t have proper UV coating, your pupils will dilate and let in even more harmful UV rays.

This exposure can damage every part of your eyes—your retina, iris, cornea, and more. So, while a little sunlight is good for your eye health (it helps regulate circadian rhythms and prevents myopia in children), too much unprotected exposure isn’t.

Tips for Choosing the Right Sunglasses:

Look for a label that says 99-100% UV absorption or UV 400.
Polarized lenses only improve vision clarity—they don’t protect against UV rays.
Darker lenses do not mean more protection.
Sunglasses should be labeled “Sunglasses” and not “Sunwear” or “Eyewear.”
Price isn’t an indicator of UV protection—there are $10 sunglasses that protect better than $100+ designer pairs!

If you love a pair of sunglasses that don’t have UV protection, you can check with your eye doctor to see if they can be UV-dipped for added protection.

UV-Protectant Clothing: The Pros and Cons

When it comes to UV protection, clothing is often overlooked. UV-protective clothing blocks harmful rays, which is especially helpful for people with sun-sensitive skin or those who spend long hours outdoors. But just like sunscreen, not all UV-protective clothing is created equal.

Pros:

Provides consistent protection without needing to reapply sunscreen.
Great for people with sun-sensitive skin or those who will have extended outdoor exposure.
Covers hard-to-reach areas like the scalp, shoulders, and neck.

Cons:

Most UV-protective clothing is made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which shed microplastics into the environment.
While the extent of microplastics’ absorption into the body through skin contact is still being researched, there is also evidence that the chemical additives associated with microplastics may be absorbed.
Some UV-blocking fabrics are treated with chemicals that we don’t want sitting on skin, plus, they can wear off over time.
UV-protective clothing can be expensive compared to regular clothing.

If you do opt for UV-protective clothing, look for sustainable materials and avoid fabrics treated with harmful chemicals.

Materials like cotton, linen, wool and silk can provide excellent sun protection when constructed in a dense weave. The tighter the threads are woven, the less space for sunlight to penetrate the fabric onto your skin. Cotton poplin, for example, has a very tight weave that helps block UV rays.

Are You Reading This and Feeling Like it’s too Late For You?

Don’t worry, I got you, friend!

Here’s how to reverse sun damage and protect against further harm.

If you’re reading this and feeling like you might have missed the sunscreen boat and now your skin is showing the signs—don’t fret. It’s never too late to start reversing some of that sun damage and protecting your skin from further harm.

The first step is making a commitment to daily sunscreen use. SPF will be your number one ally moving forward, but you can also incorporate targeted skincare ingredients that help repair sun-damaged skin.

The Power of Vitamin C: Your Brightening Superhero

One of the best ingredients for reversing previous sun damage is Vitamin C. This potent antioxidant not only helps to brighten the skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation caused by sun exposure, but it also fights free radicals (those damaging molecules that are produced when your skin is exposed to UV rays). By neutralizing free radicals, Vitamin C helps to repair the damage done and prevent further damage.

Moreover, Vitamin C promotes collagen production, helping to restore some of the firmness that was lost due to UV exposure. Regular use of Vitamin C serum can significantly lighten hyperpigmentation from sun spots, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Look for stable forms of Vitamin C, such as Ascorbyl Glucoside, or Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Bakuchiol: A Natural Retinol Alternative

If you’re (like me) not keen to use retinol due to its potential irritation or sensitivity, bakuchiol is a fantastic natural alternative. Known as the plant-based retinol, bakuchiol offers many of the same anti-aging benefits, such as stimulating collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines, without the irritation that traditional retinoids can cause.

Bakuchiol is also a gentle option for those with sensitive or reactive skin, making it a great choice if you’ve experienced sunburns or irritation from previous sun exposure. It helps improve skin elasticity, reduces pigmentation, and accelerates cell turnover, allowing your skin to repair itself more efficiently.

When paired with Vitamin C, bakuchiol can work wonders to reverse the visible signs of sun damage, providing a bright, firm, and smooth complexion.

Don’t Forget the Moisture

Finally, keeping your skin moisturized is essential when reversing sun damage. UV exposure can dry out the skin, causing it to lose its plumpness and elasticity. Incorporating a rich moisturizer into your skincare routine can help restore hydration, encourage repair, and support your skin’s natural barrier function. Look for moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides (like jojoba oil), and fatty acids to lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and bouncy.

Final Thoughts: Smart Sun Protection for Every Age

No matter where you are in your skincare journey, protecting your skin from the sun should be a top priority. While previous damage can feel discouraging, remember that it’s never too late to start taking better care of your skin. With consistent sunscreen use and the right skincare ingredients, you can begin to repair and protect your skin from further harm. Let’s embrace the sun safely, repair what we can, and always keep our skin protected for the future!

Conclusion: Finding Balance

Protecting your skin from UV damage is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health and beauty. But like everything in life, balance is key! A little unfiltered sunlight is beneficial for vitamin D, eye health, your body’s natural rhythms, and mental well-being. Meanwhile, smart sun habits—like using mineral sunscreen, wearing high-quality sunglasses, and investing in (safe) UV-blocking clothing—will help you stay protected without unnecessary risks.

Sun protection doesn’t have to mean avoiding the sun altogether. It’s about making smart choices. Small changes add up! Protect your skin, enjoy the sun, and embrace healthy skin!

I hope this has been helpful!