I’m definitely not a skincare expert or beauty guru by any means. There are very few true rules of skincare, since everyone’s skin is has different needs. If there is one universal skincare truth that I know, it’s this: you need to wear your sunscreen. Here’s why:

1. Everyone is susceptible to sun damage

I’m someone who is very prone to sun damage. My skin complexion means that I burn super easily. But some people tan instead of burn, and many people have dark skin. I remember hearing as a kid that if you don’t visibly burn, you’re safe from sun damage; melanin protects you from the sun. While diagnoses of skin cancer are more prevalent in white people, PoC are not immune from sun damage. Any change in skin pigment (burn or tan) is a sign of radiation from the sun damaging your skin. This damage can range from burns to photoaging (a fancy word for wrinkles and pigmentation caused by sun exposure) to skin cancers.

I didn’t know until recently that traditional sunscreens are not necessarily inclusive for all skin tones. Products used in traditional sunscreen can leave a white sheen or ashy look on darker skin. Luckily, there are options for PoC to protect themselves from the sun in a way that works for their skin. Here is a list of products meant for darker skin!

2. There are options for every skintype

I h a t e d putting on sunscreen as a kid, and a big part of that was how greasy and goopy sunscreen is, especially when it’s going on your face! I don’t know if facial sunscreen didn’t exist 15 years ago, but it sure does now and it’s a blessing. As well as being a nicer texture for your face, it’s also better for your skin, since you can find different products intended for different skin types. Oily skin can benefit from oil-free and non-comodogenic formulas to avoid clogged pores and a shiny finish. Hydrating formulas exist for people with dry skin. Sensitive skin solutions exist, and so on.

You can also find skincare products that have SPF protection built in! One of my favourite daily products is the Vitamin C SPF30 Moisturizer from The Body Shop. However, these shouldn’t act as a substitute for a sunscreen product, especially when you’re planning for a day with prolonged sun exposure.

3. Face peels are trending

Products like The Ordinary’s AHA30% + BHA2% Peeling Solution are big right now. This popular skincare product is an acid exfoliant/chemical peel. While this type of product is working wonders for so many people’s skin, it’s important to remember that chemical peels leave your skin more succeptible to sun damage. Make sure to apply sunscreen to freshly treated skin to protect it from UV radiation!

4. It’s not just about the face

Full disclosure: I’m terrified of my skin aging. I’m more careful about wearing sunscreen on my face because I don’t want wrinkles (hence why I go for daily moisturizer with SPF all year round). However, any exposed skin is going to absorb UV radiation from the sun, and it’s not just the skin on your face that is at risk of photoaging. Absorbing this radiation is what causes skin cancer, so the more skin you have unprotected, the higher the chances of developing skin cancer in your lifetime. Wearing sunscreen all over your body is super important!

I hope you keep these things in mind when you get ready to head out for the day. Remember that sunscreen needs to be applied about 30 minutes before sun exposure, and should be reapplied throughout the day.