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 never do, I don't need to, I'm never out for long enough.
Dd17 does if she's out on a hot day.
I had no idea people were so obsessed with it

Related question - Can anyone recommend a facial moisturiser that is factor 50?

I just moved back to the UK and my regular brand (La Roche Posay antioxidant serum factor 50) is not sold in the UK so I'm still looking for a replacement. I've tried using factor 50 facial sunscreen on top of moisturiser but it makes my skin too greasy.

I'm on the wrong side of 30, 3 kids and don't have a wrinkle or sun spot on my body.

Of course you don’t have wrinkles. Not because of the sun cream but because you are young.

I wear sun cream when in the Summer, or when I’m in the mountains skiing.

The chemicals get absorbed in your body so I avoid chemical screens and use mineral.

Rainbunny I use the Rocheposay SPF50 creams in place of moisturiser and find it's fine. There are quite a few different ones, some matt, some tinted (I have one v light formula one and another thicker lotion).

Never wear it unless I'm out for a few hours (sunbathing or gardening), never for just walking around. I don't wear foundation or moisturiser either. Luckily I don't really burn in the sun.

My skin is very sensitive to suncream. I can't wear a lot of brands - I had to go to the doctors once after my face swelled up like a balloon after using a supermarket own brand. I stick to sensitive (expensive!) brands and even then it's a bit itchy and I have to wash it off thoroughly afterwards or I wake up scratching madly throughout the night.

So I only use it when I'm going to be in the sun for a reasonable period e.g. at the beach, a picnic, sightseeing etc. I wouldn't apply it on days where I'll only be outside for short periods. I'm also not that keen on the sun and generally stick to the shade.

I'm very fair, so from April - October type time, or if I'm going to be outside all day, yes I'll use a separate facial factor 50 spf. I do bear in mind that it doesn't last all day though obviously, putting it on in the morning won't last all day.

If it's really sunny/summer day or I'm on holiday somewhere warm, then I'll reapply during the day.

My foundation has spf15 in it anyway, so that's on year round.

I use Frezyderm, biore watery essence and I've just ordered Nivea sun protect water milk off eBay. Japan is the way to go, they're more cosmetically elegant

Depends on skin and climate. I burn extremely easily so need sunscreen. My dd, only needs it for long outings.

I would always buy a daily moisturiser with an SPF in. My foundation also has SPF 15. Sun damage is the biggest cause of premature aging. You msg not feel like it's hot or particularly sunny but the suns rays still have a damaging effect.
My son doesn't wear it everyday. But during the spring summer...even if it wouldn't be considered THAT hot I will always put it in him. He'll thank me for it later.

I worked as a beauty therapist for 12 years and I have seen first hand the damage to the skin exposure to the sun can do over the years.

I wear factor 50 on my face every day. Have down since I was a teenage goth, and pleased that it's now the done thing! I am very, very pale, though.

DH wears factor 30 on uncovered bits in the Summer.

DC generally also only in Summer, although DS has recently become quite interested in my skincare routine so now also likes some on his face (he's also ridiculously pale, so I figure it's fine).

No (but I’m Pakistani), most of my white friends wear it everyday

I only wear suncream when I need it. Not sure why you'd wear it if you don't actually need to

I don't even use moisturiser on a regular basis and only think about sunscreen for anyone unless it is around 20°. This probably makes me a terribly negligent parent.

I woukdnt have the faintest idea what others do although i know my friends are appalled thati don't use moisturiser!

I wear facial sunscreen everyday! Mainly for preventative anti-aging skincare, I’m early 20s. I use Kiehl’s sunscreen which leaves the skin feeling wonderful, it’s not greasy nor leaves a grey cast. It doesn’t disrupt my skincare underneath or makeup, so it’s not a faff to apply.

If you’re serious about skincare and taking care of yourself, wearing sunscreen as part of your skincare routine is key. Especially if you use products that may leave your skin sensitised like chemical exfoliators.

I wear sunscreen on my body if my skin isn’t covered. I burn easily and tan unevenly, so I’d rather just prevent that. I have more than enough vitamin D so that isn’t a concern for me.

And does your OH wear it?

I'm male and, in the UK, no unless I know I'm going to be outside in the sun for any length of time. The same in Australia, although it's generally more sunny when we are there so I wear it more often. Swimming I usually wear a 50spf rashie as it's less hassle than reapplying sun cream.

I wear an SPF moisturiser most days except in the depths of winter and sometimes even then especially if I go out for a run or bike ride on a sunny day. But not full blown sunscreen.

Sunscreen is carcinogenic. Far better to cover up in the sun.

Wow, this is an eye opener! I never ever put anything on my face (including moisturiser). I sometimes put sun cream on my neck and legs if I'll be out in the sun all day, but that's it. If it's really sunny, I'll wear a hat.

@MariaNovella do you have any evidence of that claim?

If you’re serious about skincare and taking care of yourself, wearing sunscreen as part of your skincare routine is key

This is what is dividing this thread - the half that use it every day know their AHAs and the other half wash their face with hand soap

Motheroffeminists - my DH worked for 12 years with all the major cosmetics firms. They all know they have a major issue looming and are working on solutions.

TBH all sorts of skincare is unsafe and should be avoided. But sunscreen (so many chemicals) is really bad.

Gosh we are a disgrace . I use moisturiser with good sp factor daily.
I have psoriasis which the sun helps and I tan easily.
But DH and I came on holiday yesterday and forgot to pack sun cream. We strolled about all day without ( our adult kids would read riot act lol) we are older and he thinks we will be ok !
That said I have bought some earlier. It was so expensive !
Have felt grotty past 2 hours( think walking about in heat )
I think it is very much a personal thing . It also depends on skin type and if adult . Always put sun cream on kids and they do use as adults . Where did they go wrong having us as parents?