Why You Need to Wear Sunscreen Every Day (Even When It’s Cloudy)

When you think of sunscreen, you probably think of summer. It’s the beach bag essential, the poolside must-have, the product that keeps your skin protected during long sunny days outdoors. But sunscreen isn’t just for summer. Your skin needs it 365 days a year, even when it’s cloudy, rainy, or you’re spending the day indoors.

That’s because UV rays don’t take a day off. Many reach us through clouds, glass, and even bounce off surfaces like water and snow. Wearing sunscreen every day can help protect your skin against both short-term damage and the long-term effects of sun exposure.

In this guide, we’ll break down why daily sunscreen is non-negotiable, whether you’re inside or out, and how to make SPF a seamless part of your routine.

Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen Every Day?

Yes! We recommend wearing broad spectrum sunscreen every day. Here’s why:

There are two types of UV rays that reach us from the sun, and both can cause damage:

UVB rays: Known as the burning rays, UVB can cause sunburn, blistering, and contribute to skin cancer.
UVA rays: Known as the aging rays, UVA can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.

Here’s the kicker: Up to 90% of the visible signs of skin aging are caused by the sun, according to EPA. And while UVB rays are strongest in the summer, UVA rays maintain the same strength year-round. They don’t fade in the winter, they don’t hide behind clouds, and they even sneak through windows.

That’s why we (and the American Academy of Dermatology) recommend wearing broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every single day. Whether it’s June or January, whether you’re at the beach or working from your desk, SPF belongs on your skin.

To get the protection you need, apply your sunscreen generously and evenly. Many people only use one-third to half the amount they should. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least 1/4 teaspoon (roughly a quarter-sized amount) for your face and about 1 oz (enough to fill a shot glass) for your body. And don’t forget to reapply at least every two hours!

How to Make Daily Sunscreen an Easy Routine

Daily SPF doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve made it simple by incorporating SPF into the products you already use and love, so it feels less like an extra step and more like skincare that multitasks.

Moisturizer? It can have SPF. If your skin leans oily, try Triple Prep: a weightless daily moisturizer with broad spectrum protection. If you’re on the drier side, Superscreen combines intense hydration with SPF in one nourishing, non-comedogenic formula.

Want a lit-from-within glow year-round? Glowscreen is our tinted SPF primer. It doubles as a makeup base and gives you that radiant just-back-from-vacation look — even in the middle of winter.

Your coverage can come with SPF, too. Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50 delivers broad spectrum defense and comes in 14 flexible shades.

And don’t stop at your base. Lips need daily protection too, and Glow Gloss SPF 40 delivers it. Available in three sweet flavors, it combines a high-shine finish with expert sun protection.

By weaving SPF into the products you already use, sunscreen becomes something you reach for naturally — not just when you’re heading outside.

Sun Protection Isn’t Seasonal

Sunscreen isn’t just for summer. It’s for cloudy days, snowy mornings, work-from-home afternoons, and beyond. UVA rays don’t disappear when the weather changes, and sun protection shouldn’t either.

The easiest way to make sunscreen stick is to treat it like skincare. Choose formulas that feel good, fit your skin type, and weave right into your routine. Whether it’s a moisturizer with SPF, a glowy primer or a glossy lip balm, you’ve got plenty of ways to keep your skin protected without adding extra steps.

Think of SPF as your everyday ritual: Apply it generously, reapply often, and let your skin enjoy the benefits of protection that’s effortless, nourishing, and always on your side.