AIBU to think that it's not usual to wear sunscreen all the time?

[TheKitchenWitch]

Leading on from another thread of mine in which I asked for recommendations for a tinted moisturiser without sunscreen in it (due to skin reacting), I was surprised that it seemed to be very much a given that one would wear sunscreen every day.

Now, I don't think I know of anyone who slathers sunscreen on their whole family every single day of the year. It might well be that it's included in a daily face cream for some, so they are getting it by default, but I don't put any on my children until we get to proper summer, hot sunny days etc and they are outside way more than me.
My husband also would only ever put it on if we're spending the day outside in summer. We live in Germany, so climate is similar to UK for much of the year.

So my question is: do you (as in your whole family) wear sunscreen all year round?

I wear SPF50 on my face and neck every day. I use retinols so I need to, otherwise I get sunspots. I don't put it on my DC every day though.

Please be aware: makeup with SPF in is NOT the same as wearing sunscreen. It of course has some effect, but it is not complete protection.

the sun is shining-people still dont get it tdo they-if they uv level is high it doesnt matter if the sun is shining or not

Can you link to your other thread - I'm after some recommendations for tilted moisturiser with spf

I know if you use any glycolic acids and certain toning products, have face peels etc they make your skin hyper sensitive to uv and also increase your risk of skin cancer ( from the rays) so they always tell people to wear spf. I have 4 pale skinned children so theyre out a few minutes in any sun to get what they need for vitamin d but then they get it on, basically came from my least fair son coming home sun burnt from a very average day where they w ere on a nature walk. He wasn't too bad thank God but for the sake of a few extra minutes why not. ( I think I may have gone off the point- I'd wear probably March to october

Some people do it because they want to delay the ageing process, my Dad does.

Please be aware: makeup with SPF in is NOT the same as wearing sunscreen. It of course has some effect, but it is not complete protection iirc it's hardly any protection at all and that's why Liz Earle leaves it out of her creams( or she/Avon used to,I haven't bought any for a while) as in most creams it's just a token amount.

The body shop does an SPF 50 face lotion which I wear under my foundation. I want to look after my skin and prevent aging! I hate the idea of tanning- tanning is basically your skin cells dying!

With my daughter, if there is a hint of sun I will put kids factor 50 on her. I would be devastated if she got sunburn.

I have major concerns about the chemicals in sunscreens being absorbed by my skin. Some of them are carcinogenic others are hormone interrupters/blockers. I wear sunscreen only when I am going to be outside on a sunny day for an extended period of time. I use hats, sleeves and shade as much as possible and I take a shower as soon as I am back inside. Its a balancing act in my view between the benefits of protecting from skin cancers and the costs of the other negative health impacts

By the way people are on the fence as to whether a moisturiser or cc or bb cream with spf is enough for most people, they advise instead you find a decent quality sun cream with good skin care aspects. It's a minefield and I still don't know anyone who can wear make up and protect their skin in the summer ( any recommendations greatly received!)

Nope. Only on sunny days, and even then only after about 30 mins of sun exposure.

I have burnt badly in the past (younger days either trying to get a tan or just not realising how strong the sun was) but it’s many many years since I burnt. I avoid face creams with spf in as I want some vitamin D exposure.
However I have an office job so my sun exposure is naturally limited. If I was out more I’d wear more.

I wear spf50+ every day, but I have to because I use prescribed medication that causes increased photosensitivity on my face (Retin-a), I also use glycolic acid products and that increases photosensitivity for around a week after use.

I have pretty much always worn spf creams on my face anyway, I burn stupidly easy, even without the skincare stuff.

I wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or 50) on my face every single day and on the rest of me during spring and summer or high UV days. Though I am in Australia. Regardless of cancer risk though, I've always been told that sun damage accounts for much of the skin damage that we associate with age and so I always wear it under my makeup.

I can't wear it every day due to allergies, so only wear it if I'm going to be outside for longer than walking to the bus stop to go to work....

Cerave moisturiser with SPF25 until May-ish, then a proper SPF50 sunscreen until autumn - sensitive pale Irish skin. My Vit D levels are catastrophic anyway, so i take a supplement year round.

Bit baffled by posters wearing full on factor 50 but barely being outside? I understand if you're a lumberjack or a jockey but not otherwise.

I'm outside a lot and do wear it as the sun gets higher although only factor 15. I've not burnt for decades.

I've seen SPF (UVB protection) being discussed but not the star rating (UVA protection). Please make sure you are using a 4 or 5 star product.
Short guide: www.boots.com/sun-and-holiday-inspiration/spf-factors-uva-and-uvb
Advice: www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/

@Rabbitmug I burn within 5 mins in summer plus I use glycolic and retinol so more sun sensitive. I have Botox and I want to prevent ageing so SPF every day as it's the best thing you can do!
If I wasn't leaving the house then I wouldn't apply. Today I will be outside for maybe an hour and I am wearing factor 50

Ok makes sense if you burn really quickly, I've spent a lot of time outdoors so have aged badly I think. I love dog walking, running, gardening and ashamed to say just good old sitting in the garden withy face up to the sun. It's my one really bad habit.

my moisturiser is factor 30. I wouldnt use one without spf. Sun damage is a thing even here. used an spf face cream since I was 30. I dont "look my age" like other 40+ yr olds!

If anyone is looking for a good, high strength SPF that can be worn under and over makeup - get yourself a little can of one of these for your handbag:

www.amazon.co.uk/Vichy-Id%C3%A9al-Soleil-Freshness-Face/dp/B06XXHB36G?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

www.laroche-posay.co.uk/anthelios-invisible-fresh-mist-spf-50

It's aerosol (sorry planet) but is completely weightless and sits over makeup wonderfully so you can top up. Also good for shoulders /arms during the day.

I am usually outside for several hours a day so I wear minimum SPF15 every day, 50 on my face if its sunny (even in winter). I believe we only need about 20 minutes unprotected exposure to get enough daily vitamin D - I'm sure that on sunny days at least the equivalent of that will be getting through the sunscreen and I am also less diligent with arms and shoulders that I will often have exposed but unprotected until it is sunny (then SPF30). No need for totally unprotected face!

All of the Anthelios range is fantastic spanishwife - I love the tinted SPF50, I use that a lot instead of foundation.

Not every day no, but there are certainly a lot of winter days that require sunscreen too. You can get a hell of a burn from bright sun reflecting off snow!

I try to remember to wear it daily (also live in Australia). But something I've wondered - on the bottle it says the sunscreen should be reapplied after 4 hours max. So if you apply it while getting ready for work, eg, at 8am, it will have worn off by lunch. Surely people aren't reapplying 3x daily in the office bathroom. And if not, how does applying it in the morning help.