Okay, let’s get real- everyone knows the obvious villain in the “no sunscreen” saga: the dreaded sunburn. But somehow, despite this knowledge, people still treat it like a minor inconvenience instead of the red, flaky warning sign it actually is. There have been different phases of discourse around sunburns, such as with tanning culture and burning to create a ‘base tan’ for the rest of the summer. So consider this a friendly reminder: yes, sunburns may fade into tans, but the damage is still damage. Your skin deserves better than being sacrificed for a summer aesthetic.

APRIL 30, 2025

As we step into May, we’re all thinking about one thing: summer. The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. We may be planning our summer vacations, or thinking about days spent outside. One thing we should make sure we’re remembering is sunscreen. Although we may associate applying sunscreen with being poolside or at the beach, spoiler alert- it’s important that we apply it not only in those cases but every day. What’s even more crucial is reapplying as well. May is also a month where the Take the Pledge Campaign takes place, and serves as an important reminder to remember sun safety and to take the pledge to apply and reapply sunscreen! Today I’m gonna chat all about why sunscreen is important and why it’s necessary to always apply it. 

When your skin gets sunburned, UV radiation damages the skin cells and barrier, which creates inflammation in the skin that we know as a sunburn. Under the surface, your skin cells are fighting for their lives to repair themselves and get rid of any harmful cells from developing- hence why peeling happens. And let’s bust a myth while we’re at it: just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean you’re safe. UV rays can still penetrate through clouds, and can even create stronger exposure, with the rays bouncing off the clouds instead of a steady stream. Burns can still happen even when the sun isn’t out- meaning applying is necessary no matter the weather!

So besides the negative effects of not wearing sunscreen, what are the positives from it? Although you may already have some anti-aging products in your skincare routine, sunscreen is the ultimate agent in preserving your skin’s youthful appearance. According to Colorescience, “UV rays can break down collagen and elastin”, both of which are important for your skin to retain its structure and firmness. Keeping up with your sunscreen application and reapplication is crucial in preserving your skin, and one of my absolute favorites is Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50.

If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a product that is low maintenance with high reward. This sunscreen is ideal for that, and is patented with Enviroscreen technology, meaning you’re protected from all the pesky pollutants such as: UVA/UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation, while also providing you with hydration and antioxidants. This sunscreen is also your best friend when it comes to a minimal skin care and makeup routine- it acts as both a sunscreen and a skin tint! What more could you ask for in a product?

Worried about keeping up with reapplication? Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Brush On Shield makes it easy and convenient to reapply on the go. It goes on perfectly over makeup, plus doubles as a powder, so no need to worry about sunscreen ruining your perfect base 😉. Make sure you’re reapplying every 2 hours for continuous coverage throughout the day!

Now that you know a bit more about the benefits of wearing sunscreen, and the consequences of forgetting to, it’s time to implement it into your daily routine. Make sure that you’re applying sunscreen every day- rain or shine! You are now ready to tackle the summer and hopefully get away without any burns. I hope to see your skin thriving by staying youthful and protected. 

Works Cited:
Margaux Reese. "Should You Wear Sunscreen Everyday? Yes, Here's Why". Colorescience. January 23, 2024.
https://www.colorescience.com/blogs/ blog/should-you-wear-sunscreen-everyday