300 Days of Sunshine Means SPF is Basically Required
I get it—Arizona is hot hot hot. Whether you’re hitting the desert trails, doing a senior photo session (hey 👋), or just walking from your car to Dutch Bros, the sun is not messing around. And spoiler alert: it doesn’t care how young or glowy your skin is—it’s coming for you!
So let’s talk about one little thing that can make a huge difference in how you look and feel now and later: sunscreen.
Wait, Isn’t Sunscreen Just for Beach Days?
Nope. Not even close. Arizona isn’t just hot—it’s sunny over 300 days a year. That means UV rays are out here doing the most every single day. You don’t need an ocean to get sunburned—your backyard, your car, your hike to class, even your selfie session in downtown Mesa is enough.
Here’s why sunscreen is a non-negotiable—yes, even for teens who “never burn.”
6 Reasons to Use Sunscreen Every Day
1. Sunburn Isn’t a Vibe (and Skin Cancer Definitely Isn’t)
Let’s be real: a sunburn before your senior pictures? Big yikes. But more importantly, too much sun without protection increases your chances of developing skin cancer way earlier than you think. Daily SPF is a simple habit that can seriously protect your health.
Pro tip: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and don’t forget your ears, nose, and neck. Bonus points if it doesn’t leave a white cast!
2. Want to Stay Looking Fresh? Sunscreen Helps With That
Premature aging sounds like something your mom worries about, but listen—fine lines and sun spots can sneak up quick, especially with all the Arizona sun. Daily SPF = fewer wrinkles later. Trust.
3. No One Likes Red, Irritated Skin
The sun can irritate your skin even if you don’t burn easily. Sunscreen helps prevent inflammation, redness, and those painful “I thought it was just a little pink” days.
4. Helps Your Skin Chill Out Around the Sun
Ever feel like you’re suddenly super sensitive to sunlight? Regular SPF can actually lower your sensitivity over time, which means fewer surprise breakouts and less redness after outdoor activities.
5. Bye Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots and uneven skin tone? Often caused (or made worse) by sun exposure. Sunscreen helps prevent those annoying marks that makeup never fully covers.
6. Better Skin = Better Selfies
Sunscreen isn’t just about avoiding damage. It actively supports long-term skin health, so you can keep that soft, glowy, Insta-ready skin for years to come.
Don’t Skip It—Even If You’re “Just Running Errands”
A quick trip to Target or a coffee run can still mean 15–30 minutes of sun exposure. That adds up fast. So make sunscreen part of your morning routine—right after brushing your teeth and scrolling TikTok.
And hey, if you’re planning your senior photo session, a sunburn is basically a retouching nightmare. Great lighting, cute outfit, perfect pose… and a sunburn? Don’t let that be the one thing that throws it off.
Getting ready for your senior pictures?
I’ve got you covered—literally. From style tips to sun-safe advice, the blog is packed with everything you need to feel confident and look amazing. Want the full scoop on how to plan your dream senior session? Download my Senior Client Welcome Guide and start getting excited—it’s all in there!
And if you love getting ideas and inspo ahead of time, make sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for tons of creative tips, outfit ideas, and behind-the-scenes magic.
