A Simple Trick I Use to Remember My Sunscreen Every Day

Let me tell you, remembering to wear sunscreen every single day has been a bit of a struggle for me. Like most people, I know it’s important for protecting my skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. But in the chaos of a typical morning, sunscreen often fell to the bottom of my to-do list. That was until I discovered a simple trick that has made all the difference.

Establishing a Routine

First things first, I realized I needed to make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of my routine. I don’t have a flawless morning schedule, but I’ve tried my best to create a little rhythm that works for me. After brushing my teeth and splashing water on my face, I decided to keep my sunscreen right next to my toothpaste. It’s a spot I visit every day, so it’s hard to forget!

I use a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that feels great on my skin. One of my favorites is a gel formula, which absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave that greasy residue behind. It feels like an effortless extension of my skincare routine. I apply it every morning right after brushing my teeth, which has become a nice little ritual for me. This way, even if I’m running late, I can slap some on in less than a minute, and I’m good to go.

Visual Reminders

Another trick I use is creating visual reminders. I’m a big fan of sticky notes, and I keep a bright yellow one on my bathroom mirror that says, “Sunscreen!” It’s a simple yet effective reminder that catches my eye every time I get ready in the morning. I think it’s a little bit like those motivational quotes you see on Pinterest, just a gentle nudge that helps me focus.

In addition to this, I’ve also stuck a note on my fridge. It might seem like overkill, but it serves as a reminder during those mid-morning snack breaks. Often, I’ll glance at it while reaching for a snack and think about reapplying if I’ll be outside for a while. It keeps sunscreen top of mind, especially as I head out for errands or walks with my dog, Benny.

Pairing with Other Habits

Combining sunscreen application with other daily habits has also proven to be a game-changer for me. I’ve started putting it by my other skincare products, right next to my moisturizer and eye cream. This way, it feels natural to grab the sunscreen along with my other essentials. Plus, it’s an excellent way to ensure I’m applying it on clean skin, no skipping!

And let me tell you, it’s not just about remembering to apply it; it’s about reapplying too. If I know I’ll be outside, I make it a habit to set a reminder on my phone to reapply after a couple of hours. It might feel a bit fussy, but in the grand scheme of things, a couple of taps is a small price to pay for protecting my skin.

Making It Fun

Here’s something I’ve discovered, it doesn’t have to be boring! Choosing a sunscreen that smells great or has a fun texture can turn the chore into something enjoyable. I found one with a lovely coconut scent that instantly transports me to a sunny beach every time I use it. Suddenly, applying sunscreen feels like less of a task and more like a mini escape.

When I’m feeling fancy, I even layer on some tinted moisturizer with SPF on days I want that extra glow. It’s like putting on a little sunshine, and honestly, who doesn’t want that? Plus, it gives me a bit of coverage without feeling heavy, which is a win-win in my book.

Staying Consistent

The key to making this trick stick is consistency. I aim to treat my sunscreen application like brushing my teeth, just something I do every day without thinking too much about it. After a few weeks, it became second nature, and I couldn’t imagine skipping it.

Now, when I look in the mirror each morning, I see the sunscreen sitting there next to my toothbrush, reminding me of my commitment to skin health. It’s all about those small, repeated actions, right? It’s like I’m building a little fortress of protection around my skin, one layer at a time.

My “Sunscreen Station”

Speaking of consistency, I’ve created what I call my “sunscreen station” right in my bathroom. Here, I have everything organized neatly: my sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm with SPF, and a pair of sunglasses. It’s like a little altar for skin health! Having this designated space means I can quickly grab what I need before heading out the door. Plus, whenever I walk by, it reminds me to be more mindful of the sun, even on cloudy days.

In warmer months, I like to keep a bottle of sunscreen in my car as well. That way, if I forget to apply it before heading out, I can easily grab it and apply it while waiting at a stoplight or when I park. Just a little extra safeguard to ensure I’m always covered.

Dealing with the Chaos

Of course, there are days when life gets away from me, chaotic mornings, last-minute plans, or simply not enough time. I still have my moments where I forget about the sunscreen. But I’ve learned to let go of the guilt and focus on what I can control. Even if I miss a day or two, I pick right back up the next morning, reminding myself that it’s about progress, not perfection.

And if I’m heading out for a longer period, I try to keep some sunscreen in my bag. It’s a little chaotic some days, but I find that keeping a mini tube can help me feel prepared for whatever the day throws my way. I mean, who doesn’t need a little backup, right?

The Benefits

Since I’ve made a habit of wearing sunscreen daily, I’ve noticed a big difference in my skin. It feels healthier and more vibrant. I’ve also avoided the dreaded sunburn, which is a definite plus, no one enjoys those painful days of peeling skin. Plus, knowing I’m taking care of my skin feels empowering. It’s a small choice that adds up over time, just like drinking water or getting enough sleep.

And the truth is, making this a part of my daily routine contributes to my overall well-being. It’s not just about the skin; it’s about feeling good in my own skin. Each time I apply sunscreen, I’m making a choice that benefits my future self. And that feels pretty amazing.

Closing Thoughts

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this little sunscreen journey, it’s that we all have our own ways to establish and maintain healthy habits. For me, it’s about keeping it simple, creating visual prompts, and pairing it with my existing routines. And let’s face it, making things a little more fun never hurts!

So, if you find forgetting that sunscreen is a common theme in your life, I encourage you to give these tricks a try. You don’t have to make it complicated, just find what works for you and stick with it. Your future self will thank you!