Why You Should Wear Sunscreen All Year Round – Not Just When It’s Hot

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When the sun finally breaks through the clouds, we reach for the sunscreen – but how sun savvy are we really? If you’re one of the many who saves SPF for beach days and heatwaves, it might be time to rethink your routine. According to a recent study by Hada Labo Tokyo, the number one skincare brand in Japan, a staggering 65% of women feel sunscreen isn’t necessary unless it’s really hot and sunny.

Unfortunately, that misconception is putting skin at risk – not just from sunburn, but from long-term damage including premature ageing and even cancer.

In this article, I’m diving into why daily sun protection matters, the surprising gaps in public understanding, and how new innovations in sunscreen are making it easier than ever to protect and hydrate your skin.

The Truth About UV: It’s Not Just a Summer Issue

The Hada Labo Tokyo study found that 85% of women have gone out without sunscreen even when it’s warm, and 57% admitted skipping it to get a better tan. The harsh truth? There’s no such thing as a healthy UV tan, says Dr Nisa Aslam, GP and member of the Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Care Panel.

Even on overcast days, UV rays penetrate clouds and damage the skin. UVA rays, which account for 95% of the radiation reaching the earth, are especially dangerous—they penetrate deep into the skin, damaging collagen and elastin and accelerating signs of ageing. UVB rays, meanwhile, burn the upper layers of skin and can lead to DNA damage and skin cancer.

Worryingly, 45% of women don’t know the difference between UVA and UVB rays. But whether or not we understand the science, the effects are real and visible over time.

Ageing, Dehydration and DNA Damage: Why We Should Care

It’s not just about sunburn. Research shows that UV exposure is responsible for up to 80% of visible facial ageing. Wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of firmness – these are all accelerated by sun damage.

Dr Hilary Jones, GP and medical broadcaster, warns that too much UV radiation damages the DNA in our skin cells, with long-term exposure increasing the risk of skin cancer significantly.

And yet, many still hold off using SPF. The survey found 91% of women know the sun can damage their skin, but only 32% actively avoid sun exposure. That’s a huge disconnect between awareness and action.

Why Hydration is Just as Important as Protection

Sun exposure also dehydrates the skin, stripping it of moisture and weakening its barrier. Despite this, only 41% of women think about hydrating their skin more during summer, even though 85% know the sun causes dehydration.

Fortunately, there are now skincare solutions that address both sun protection and hydration in one product – ideal for busy routines and skincare minimalists.

Meet the Sunscreens That Do More: Hada Labo Tokyo SPF 50 Range

Hada Labo Tokyo’s new sun-care collection is designed with protection, hydration and skin health in mind. Both their Water-Resistant Moisturising Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 50 and Sun Lotion SPF 50 are:

Lightweight and non-greasy
Quick to absorb
Packed with powerful skincare ingredients

What sets them apart is the triple hyaluronic acid complex:

Sodium Hyaluronate – binds moisture to the skin’s surface
Super Hyaluronic Acid – locks in hydration for longer
Nano Hyaluronic Acid – penetrates deep into the skin for maximum moisture

These sunscreens don’t just protect – they actively support skin health, helping to prevent the dehydration and loss of elasticity that often comes with sun exposure.

Plus, with Panthenol for regeneration and collagen and elastin to support firmness, these SPFs are more like skincare than traditional sunblock.

The Daily Habits That Make All the Difference

Even with the best product, application habits matter:

Apply 15–30 minutes before sun exposure
Reapply every 1–2 hours, especially after sweating or swimming
Use enough – about a teaspoon for your face and a shot glass for your body

According to the Hada Labo Tokyo data, four in ten women don’t reapply sunscreen after exercising outdoors, which drastically reduces its effectiveness.

Dr Hilary Jones advises applying sunscreen every hour in strong sun, and especially after water exposure.

It’s Time to Build Better Habits

The data is clear: we know the sun is damaging, but too few of us take daily protection seriously. Whether it’s fear of greasiness, forgetfulness, or confusion over when to apply, the right product can remove those barriers.

With ultra-light formulas and hydrating benefits, Hada Labo Tokyo’s SPF 50 range is ideal for everyday use—whether you’re heading to work, the beach, or the school run.

It’s time to treat sun protection like brushing your teeth – a non-negotiable part of your daily self-care.