But here is the reality: You’ve got to wear sunscreen every day of the year, come rain or shine. “Ultraviolet rays that are the cause of sun damage and skin cancer are always present,” explains Dr. Shilesh Iyer, M.D., a Board-Certified dermatologist with the New York Dermatology Group. “Ultraviolet rays are independent of cold or hot weather and are not blocked by clouds”.

Without sunscreen, you are simply exposing the skin on your face to unnecessary damage from sun exposure. Overexposure to sunlight can increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; in other words, using sunscreen will help protect against the harmful effects of premature skin aging. Sunscreen actively minimises the penetration of UV rays into the skin and the triggering of a variety of skin disorders such as melasma and dark spots. Using sunscreen on your face will also help keep your complexion even, as sun damage is one of the many causes of uneven skin tones.

Skin is healthier overall when you use sunscreen. Essential proteins in the skin like collagen and keratin are protected by sunscreen and these proteins are primarily responsible for keeping the skin smooth and healthy, both in appearance and function. So there you go, if you want to know what the holy grail of anti-aging magic in skincare is, that would be sunscreen. Get it on your face!