Sunscreen might be a summer must-have, but the benefits go beyond the sunny season. Protecting the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is necessary for keeping skin healthy, preventing illness and improving overall health. In this article, we will cover why you need and how to use sunscreen, and why you should have it in everyone’s beauty kit.
Table of Contents
Understanding UV Radiation
Sunlight produces many kinds of radiation, but also UV radiation, which is broadly classified into two groups: UVA and UVB.
- UVA rays reach deep into the skin and are mainly the reason for ageing, wrinkles and age spots. And they can also trigger skin cancer.
- The sunburn and skin cancer are caused by UVB radiation. The UVB levels differ with the season, the area, and the time of day.
UVA and UVB rays damage skin deeply so sunscreen is a must-have.
Skin Cancer Prevention
The most important reason why you should use sunscreen is to protect yourself from skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, regularly using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more lowers your risk of developing SCC by 40% and melanoma by 50%. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and the rate is rising. Sunscreen guards the skin against UV rays and lowers the risk of DNA damage leading to cancer. This is the single most important reason why sunscreen should be used, it protects you from skin cancer.
Prevention of Premature Aging
Sunscreen plays a critical role in the prevention of premature ageing. The UV rays accelerate the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and skin pigmentation. By using sunscreen throughout the day, you can keep your skin young and less vulnerable to the process of photoaging. Dermatologists believe daily sunscreen protection prevents up to 90 percent of the visible signs of ageing caused by the sun.
Protecting Against Sunburn
Sunburn doesn’t just cause immediate pain and discomfort but can also damage the skin over time. This inflammation from sunburn causes peeling, redness, and blisters. Frequent sunburns especially during childhood, are more likely to lead to skin cancer later in life. Sunburn can be avoided if you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF to allow you to go outdoors safely.
Importance for All Skin Types
A popular myth about sunscreen is that only fair-skinned people should wear it. But even darker people are susceptible to UV rays and skin cancer. Darker skin has more melanin, some sort of natural protection, but it’s not resistant to the destructive effects of UV rays. Sunscreen can help anyone, irrespective of their skin colour, by defending the skin against UVA and UVB rays and supporting overall skin health.
Enhancing Overall Skin Health
As well as preventing skin cancer and ageing, sunscreen keeps your skin healthy. When applied regularly, it will prevent hyperpigmentation and keep the skin clear. Most sunscreens now contain other beneficial skin-friendly ingredients, including antioxidants and moisturizers, to soften and hydrate the skin.
Easy Integration into Daily Routine
Sunscreen isn’t more challenging to integrate into your lifestyle. It comes in all kinds of options from lotions to sprays, even sunscreen-infused makeup and there is something for everyone. Make sure you pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers both UVA and UVB radiation and is at least SPF 30. The sunscreen should be applied generously to all exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours (or more frequently if swimming or sweating).
Misconceptions about Sunscreen
Even though sunscreen is beneficial, there are still a few myths about it. There are people who believe you should only use sunscreen when it’s sunny or summer, but the UV rays can penetrate the clouds and still cause damage. Further, most assume that they don’t need sunscreen indoors or in the winter months, but UV rays still get into the skin via windows and mirrors. You should use sunscreen every day regardless of weather and season.
Ultimately
You can’t underestimate the importance of sunscreen. It helps avoid skin cancer, ageing and maintain good skin health. With the increase of skin cancer and risk of sun damage, it’s vital to take an active role in sun protection. By wearing sunscreen every day, you are investing in your future wellbeing and skin health. So, if you’re out at the beach or on a flight, have this with you.
