Blog, FITNESS/WELLNESS, LIFESTYLE, MENTAL HEALTH, PERSONAL GROWTH, SELF LOVE

The Truth About Sunscreen and Anti-Aging Skincare

Prevent sun damage in your 20s and 30s — when it matters most.

There’s something about the sun and the ocean that feels like home to me.

The warmth on my skin. The sound of the waves. The shimmer of salt water on sun-kissed shoulders. That feeling of laying out after a swim—hair dripping, skin glowing, heart wide open. It’s always been my favorite version of myself. More alive. More free. More me.

I’ve always been a sun girl. A golden tan in July. The beach, the pool, that undeniable post-saltwater glow. Something about being near the water makes me feel new again. Every time.

But in chasing that glow, I learned a lesson I wish I had learned sooner: the sun is powerful. And without intention, it can age and damage your skin in ways you won’t notice until it’s already happened.

This isn’t fear-based skincare advice. This is the truth—backed by lived experience, mistakes made, and the choice I now make every single day: never skip sunscreen.

My Summer Abroad: The Tan That Came at a Cost

In 2023, I solo traveled across Bali and Thailand for four months. It was one of the most liberating, beautiful, and soul-shifting seasons of my life. I fell in love with sunsets, strangers who became soul friends, acai bowls, and the endless pull of the ocean.

By July, I was already three months in—and my tan was deep. I had never felt so bronzed, so golden, so alive. I felt radiant. Wild. Free. But also, careless.

I wasn’t wearing body sunscreen consistently. I’d put it on my face sometimes, but figured there was no point doing my body since I’d just sweat it off or rinse it off in the ocean anyway. I was on a budget, hopping between hostels and hotels, using whatever soap or body wash was available. I wasn’t picky about products. I was living in the moment.

But the truth is, my skin was quietly paying the price.

Toward the end of my trip, I had a shrooms trip with a friend—a story for another time. But in that altered state, something caught my attention: the skin on my calves and feet. It looked like it was melting. Damaged. Dull. Uneven. It looked and felt hurt. As if it had been screaming for care, and I hadn’t listened.

In that moment, I realized it wasn’t just the lack of sunscreen. It was everything: the poor-quality body wash, the inconsistent moisturizing, the long, unprotected hours in the sun. Every choice added up.

That was the wake-up call.
Every product matters.
Every application matters.
Every habit matters.

The Hands Always Tell the Truth

Recently, I went on a date. He was charismatic, grounded, masculine—and I immediately noticed his hands. Fun fact: I’ve always loved hands. They carry energy. They tell stories. They can be soft, strong, nurturing, or bold.

His hands were beautiful, but also… wrinkled. Deeply. At first, I thought maybe they were just dry. Maybe he needed to moisturize more consistently. But by the second date, I realized something else: his hands weren’t just dry—they were sun-damaged.

I pieced it together. He was a golfer. His hands must have spent years exposed to sunlight without protection.

And it hit me: it’s not just about lotion. It’s about sunscreen.

That’s when I started noticing my own hands. When I walked outside, when I drove, when I laid out tanning—those small fine lines started showing up. And suddenly I realized: I hadn’t paid that much attention to applying SPF to my hands.

Now? I don’t leave the house without it. I carry sunscreen in my bag and reapply, especially after washing my hands. Because hands, necks, and chests are always exposed—and they’re often the first to show signs of aging.

A Recent Tik Tok I Saw

Not long ago, I watched a TikTok from a now-famous author and podcaster. She was standing outside her old college apartment, reflecting on her journey—where she came from, who she became, and everything she overcame. It was inspiring. Her words moved me.

But I also noticed something else: her neck.

Her face looked youthful, smooth, and cared for. But her neck told a different story. Wrinkled. Aged. Overlooked. And in that moment, I remembered: so many of us forget our necks when applying skincare and sunscreen.

That was the second promise I made to myself: never skip my neck again.
Even if I’m sweating. Even if I’m just going on a walk. Even if I’m staying inside most of the day. I’ll apply it anyway.

Because the cost of forgetting—those years of slow, invisible damage—isn’t worth it.

Yes, You Need Sunscreen—Even When It’s Cloudy

Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin.

That means skipping sunscreen just because “the sun isn’t out” is one of the biggest skincare mistakes you can make. UV exposure is cumulative. The damage is slow. You won’t always see it today—but you’ll feel it in the years to come.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen Matters (Yes, It Really Does)

Not all sunscreens are created equal—and honestly, using the wrong one can be just as harmful as not using any at all.

Many cheap or overly fragranced sunscreens contain irritants, alcohols, or chemical filters that can clog pores, strip your skin barrier, or even cause long-term sensitivity. Some even break down in the sun, offering little to no protection after an hour or two. Others leave a harsh white cast, feel greasy, or pill under makeup—making it less likely you’ll wear it consistently.

If you’re investing in your skin long-term, here’s what I recommend looking for:

My Go-To Sunscreen Guidelines:

  • Broad-spectrum protection (protects against both UVA & UVB rays)
  • SPF 30 or higher (higher if you’re outdoors for extended periods)
  • Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
  • Fragrance-free or low-irritant formulas
  • Water-resistant (especially if you’re swimming or sweating)
  • Reef-safe (if you’re ocean-side, to protect marine life)

Some Sunscreens I Actually Love:

(Always patch test to make sure it works with your skin.)

The Danger of Using the Wrong Sunscreen

Using poor-quality sunscreen—or not reapplying—can give you a false sense of protection. That’s dangerous because:

  • You may stay out in the sun longer, assuming you’re covered.
  • Some formulas degrade quickly or oxidize, leaving your skin exposed.
  • Low-quality sunscreens with harsh alcohols or synthetic fragrances can strip your skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to UV damage, breakouts, and premature aging.
  • Many don’t protect against UVA rays, which are the primary cause of aging and deep skin damage.

Bottom line? It’s not just about using sunscreen. It’s about using the right one—and using it well.

The Forgotten Zones: Where Sunscreen Matters Most

Let’s talk about the areas we overlook most:

  • Neck & Chest → So often neglected but so often exposed. Treat them like your face.
  • Hands → Apply SPF daily, especially if you’re driving, walking, or using your phone outdoors.
  • Feet → If you’re wearing sandals, flip-flops, or barefoot on the beach, your feet need protection too.
  • Ears → Don’t forget them! Especially if your hair is up or tucked behind.

The Signs Show Sooner Than You Think

I used to think aging started at 50. But in reality, your late 20s and early 30s are when the first signs appear—if you’re not paying attention.

It’s not just about vanity. It’s about preservation. It’s about showing up for your future self.

Wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven skin tone—these changes don’t come overnight. They build silently over years of small choices: whether or not you apply sunscreen. Whether or not you protect the skin you live in.

Sunscreen Costs Less Than Regret

Let’s be real. A good bottle of sunscreen might cost you $15–$30. But the cost of long-term sun damage? That’s not just cosmetic—it’s emotional, physical, and financial. Hyperpigmentation. Wrinkles. Sagging. Even more serious concerns like skin cancer.

Prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than correction.

Love the Sun, Respect Its Power

I’ll always love the sun. I’ll always find joy in the ocean. But now, I meet them with more respect. I don’t hide from the sun—I just protect myself from its intensity.

  • Limit sun exposure to the safest hours—early morning or late afternoon.
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating.
  • Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (don’t forget lips, eyes, and hairline).
  • Seek shade when the sun is strongest.
  • Cover up when you can—especially on longer outings.

Pro tip: Always keep a travel-size sunscreen in your bag. I’ll reapply after a workout if I’m not heading home right away—or if I’ve sweat a little too much during a Citi Bike ride on the way to lunch. It’s the small habits that protect your glow in the long run.

Enjoy the sun intentionally. Let it be your friend, not your future regret.

Final Thoughts: Protect the Skin You Live In

Your skin is with you every day. It holds your stories. Your memories. Your joy. Your pain. It reflects the life you’re building.

So protect it.

Apply the sunscreen. Moisturize with care. Invest in products that support you. Don’t neglect your body in the name of aesthetic or convenience. Because the things you do now will echo years from today.

This isn’t about being afraid of aging—it’s about honoring the one life you get, and the skin you move through it with.

So wear the sunscreen. Not just on your face—but your hands, neck, chest, and feet.
Not just in summer—but every season.
Not just when it’s sunny—but every single day.

Because you are radiant already. And your glow deserves to last.

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