Why sunscreen should be a big part of your daily skincare routine.

By ALEXIS ROCHESTER

It’s May in Texas and we are heading into a long, hot summer with our skin more exposed to the sun.

Sun protection is important at any age, which is why I’m going to talk about the importance of adding sunscreen to your daily skincare routine .

A few years ago, I had a freckle on my face that had bothered me for a while. It turned out to be skin cancer. I was totally blown away because I have never been sensitive to the sun and rarely burn.

I never paid much attention to using sunscreen on my face. After having skin cancer removed though, I started doing more research on skincare protection.

The products that are listed below are buy one, get one free with discount code alexisroch at checkout through May 14.

Vitamin C serums are great for extra sun protection when used with an SPF, but not all are created equal. In fact, vitamin C serums can clog pores and burn skin.

I highly recommend using a 10% VC-IP (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate), one of the most powerful forms of vitamin C.

VC-IP remains in the skin cells 40 to 80 times longer than L-ascorbic acid and has 4 times the effect on skin. I personally love this because it works as a primer for your skin due to the texture. This makes it great for daytime use under makeup.

For a morning routine in the summer months, you can use an SPF moisturizer to get extra sun protection. This broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen doesn't leave a white cast, and it uses non-nano zinc oxide as a clean, safe choice for sun protection.

For the last few years, I have tried out dozens of sunscreens for my face to use under makeup. Almost all of them cause my skin to itch or makeup to clump.

Organic sunscreens have been even worse for me.

The last one I tried caused my skin to turn blood red and it took weeks to get better. I have been using the one mentioned above because it is ophthalmologist-tested to not sting your eyes and also non-comedogenic, so it will not clog pores.

The skin cancer spot I had on my face was on the left side, which is always by the window when I drive.

My doctor told me this was common due to sun exposure while driving.

Some people even use “driving gloves” on their hands to protect the exposed skin when driving.

I have very tinted windows now to help, but I also wear hats even when I drive. I always put on my SPF too even if I plan to just stay in the car.

As a chemist, this is another tip I need to share.

Many readers asking if I have a homemade or DIY solution for sunscreen. Although I make many of my own things, sunscreen is not one of them.

It is impossible to specifically formulate a DIY solution, so you don’t know if there is any UV protection at all. Some natural oils do have certain UV protection, but it is not constant nor is it specific.

You will cause more damage to your skin doing this. You need a broad spectrum SPF for constant UVA or UVB protection.

Alexis Rochester is an investigative chemist, blogger and founder of Chemistry Cachet. She shares science-based skin care, cleaning, gardening and health tips. She was diagnosed with RA at age 10, so she has a passion for pain management tips and research, along with sharing her journey through this disease. When she’s not writing for Chemistry Cachet, she is taking Pilates or Barre classes, and also received her Barre teaching certification this year! She grew up in Stephenville and recently moved back with her daughter, husband and bulldog. You can find her posting pictures and fun stories daily on Instagram. Also look for Chemistry Cachet on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and LinkedIn.