Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Why Doctors Say Your Daily Sunscreen Habit Is Now a Public Health Necessity, Not a Beauty Choice

For years, <span>sunscreen</span> lived in the “beauty” aisle of our minds, something you reached for to avoid tanning, pigmentation, or early wrinkles. But dermatologists now say that mindset is outdated. Daily sunscreen use, they argue, is no longer about appearance. It is about disease prevention.

“Dermatologists are increasingly emphasizing daily sunscreen application as a public health necessity rather than a cosmetic habit,” says Dr. Rupika Singh, MBBS, MD, Dermatologist and Founder of Akiya Aesthetics. “Its impact goes far beyond complexion and aesthetics, it plays a critical role in long-term <span>skin health</span>.”

<h2>The Cancer Connection We Often Ignore</h2>

One of the strongest reasons doctors push for everyday sunscreen is <span>skin</span> cancer prevention. “Most skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest form, are caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun,” Dr. Singh explains. These rays damage the DNA inside skin cells, and that damage accumulates silently over years.

Melanoma and other skin cancers rarely appear overnight. Instead, decades of unprotected exposure slowly increase risk. “Daily sunscreen significantly reduces this risk by blocking or absorbing harmful UVA and UVB rays before they penetrate the skin,” she adds.

Importantly, sun exposure is not limited to beach holidays or summer afternoons. “UV radiation doesn’t take a break on cloudy days or when you’re indoors,” Dr. Singh points out. UVA rays can pass through clouds and even glass windows, meaning everyday activities, commuting, sitting near a window, or working indoors—still expose the skin.

Beyond cancer, chronic sun exposure accelerates premature ageing. Doctors explain that UV rays break down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for firmness and elasticity. Over time, this leads to fine lines, dark spots, sagging, and uneven texture.

“Sunscreen slows this process of photo-ageing by protecting the deeper layers of the skin,” Dr. Singh says. The result is not just better-looking skin, but healthier skin that functions properly for longer.

<h2>Reframing Sunscreen as Preventive Medicine</h2>

According to Dr. Ameesha Mahajan, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Founder of Eden Skin Clinic, the way sunscreen is perceived needs a reset. “For years, sunscreen was marketed as a beauty product. Today, dermatologists are reframing that narrative, daily sunscreen use is about staying healthy, not just looking good,” she says.

Scientific research consistently shows that long-term UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. “The damage begins at a cellular level, and its consequences often show up later in life. That’s why prevention from an early stage is crucial,” Dr. Mahajan explains.

She also addresses a common myth: “Sunscreen isn’t just for peak summers or beach vacations. UVA rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days and indoors near windows.”

<h2>A Simple Habit With Population-Level Impact</h2>

From a public health standpoint, daily sunscreen is one of the most cost-effective preventive tools available. “Just like handwashing reduces infections and seatbelts reduce injury risk, sunscreen reduces the burden of skin disease at a population level,” Dr. Mahajan says.

Both doctors recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, used daily, regardless of skin type, age, or weather. “Sunscreen is not vanity, it’s preventive medicine,” Dr. Mahajan emphasizes.

In short, daily SPF is now seen much like brushing your teeth—an everyday habit that protects you from long-term disease, not just short-term damage.

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For years, sunscreen lived in the “beauty” aisle of our minds, something you reached for to avoid tanning, pigmentation, or early wrinkles. But dermatologists now say that mindset is outdated. Daily sunscreen use, they argue, is no longer about appearance. It is about disease prevention.“Dermatologists are increasingly emphasizing daily sunscreen application as a public health necessity rather than a cosmetic habit,” says Dr. Rupika Singh, MBBS, MD, Dermatologist and Founder of Akiya Aesthetics. “Its impact goes far beyond complexion and aesthetics, it plays a critical role in long-term skin health.”The Cancer Connection We Often IgnoreOne of the strongest reasons doctors push for everyday sunscreen is skin cancer prevention. “Most skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest form, are caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun,” Dr. Singh explains. These rays damage the DNA inside skin cells, and that damage accumulates silently over years.Melanoma and other skin cancers rarely appear overnight. Instead, decades of unprotected exposure slowly increase risk. “Daily sunscreen significantly reduces this risk by blocking or absorbing harmful UVA and UVB rays before they penetrate the skin,” she adds.Importantly, sun exposure is not limited to beach holidays or summer afternoons. “UV radiation doesn’t take a break on cloudy days or when you’re indoors,” Dr. Singh points out. UVA rays can pass through clouds and even glass windows, meaning everyday activities, commuting, sitting near a window, or working indoors—still expose the skin.It’s Not Just About WrinklesBeyond cancer, chronic sun exposure accelerates premature ageing. Doctors explain that UV rays break down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for firmness and elasticity. Over time, this leads to fine lines, dark spots, sagging, and uneven texture.“Sunscreen slows this process of photo-ageing by protecting the deeper layers of the skin,” Dr. Singh says. The result is not just better-looking skin, but healthier skin that functions properly for longer.Reframing Sunscreen as Preventive MedicineAccording to Dr. Ameesha Mahajan, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Founder of Eden Skin Clinic, the way sunscreen is perceived needs a reset. “For years, sunscreen was marketed as a beauty product. Today, dermatologists are reframing that narrative, daily sunscreen use is about staying healthy, not just looking good,” she says.Scientific research consistently shows that long-term UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. “The damage begins at a cellular level, and its consequences often show up later in life. That’s why prevention from an early stage is crucial,” Dr. Mahajan explains.She also addresses a common myth: “Sunscreen isn’t just for peak summers or beach vacations. UVA rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days and indoors near windows.”A Simple Habit With Population-Level ImpactFrom a public health standpoint, daily sunscreen is one of the most cost-effective preventive tools available. “Just like handwashing reduces infections and seatbelts reduce injury risk, sunscreen reduces the burden of skin disease at a population level,” Dr. Mahajan says.Both doctors recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, used daily, regardless of skin type, age, or weather. “Sunscreen is not vanity, it’s preventive medicine,” Dr. Mahajan emphasizes.In short, daily SPF is now seen much like brushing your teeth—an everyday habit that protects you from long-term disease, not just short-term damage.