If you live in the Willamette Valley, you’ve probably said it at least once this year:
“Do I really need sunscreen today? It’s cloudy.”
I hear that question in my treatment room almost every week.
And I understand why. Oregon doesn’t exactly scream “sunburn weather” for much of the year. But the science on this is clear, and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I let you keep skipping the SPF.
Here’s what’s happening above the cloud line.
There are two types of ultraviolet rays that affect your skin. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and tend to be strongest during summer and at higher elevations. UVA rays are different. They penetrate deeper into the skin, contribute to premature aging, and are associated with most skin cancers. Most importantly, they are present every day of the year, regardless of the weather.
UVA rays penetrate clouds. They penetrate windows. They reach your skin while you’re driving to work, sitting near an office window, or walking from your car into the grocery store.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 80% of UV radiation still reaches the Earth’s surface on cloudy days.
In other words, your skin is being exposed even when the sun isn’t visible. Over time, that exposure adds up.
Why This Matters for Aging
One of the most compelling studies on sunscreen use followed nearly 900 adults over four and a half years. Researchers found that participants who applied broad-spectrum SPF daily showed 24% less visible skin aging than those who used sunscreen only occasionally.
That’s a remarkable result, and one no serum on the market can realistically match.
Experts estimate that up to 90% of visible skin aging, including fine lines, uneven pigmentation, loss of firmness, and changes in texture, is related to cumulative UV exposure. Genetics and lifestyle certainly play a role, but sun damage remains the single largest factor in how our skin ages over time.
What to Look For
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher.
The phrase “broad-spectrum” is important because it means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Without that protection, you may reduce your risk of burning while still allowing the deeper, long-term damage to continue.
Mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV radiation. Chemical filters absorb UV energy before it can damage the skin. Both are effective.
Personally, I tend to favor mineral-based formulas, but the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear every day.
Reapply More Than You Think
Sunscreen protection diminishes throughout the day.
If you’re spending extended time outdoors, reapply every two hours. Powder and spray formulas can make reapplication easier, even over makeup.
If you’re primarily indoors, a morning application is often sufficient unless you’re spending significant time near windows.
Don’t Forget the Rest of You
Your face gets most of the attention, but the neck, chest, and backs of the hands are often the first places to show visible signs of aging.
They’re also the areas people are most likely to skip.
A daily SPF routine should extend beyond your face if you want consistent protection.
I know sunscreen isn’t the exciting answer. There’s no dramatic unboxing moment. No trendy ingredient. No viral skincare craze.
But if you’re going to invest in one product, make it this one.
Every treatment I perform, every retinol I recommend, and every brightening serum I suggest works harder and delivers better long-term results when daily SPF is part of the routine.
Think of sunscreen as the principal investment.