Soaking in the sunlight is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin D.
However, excessive sun exposure can lead to tanning, sunburns, and even skin cancer!
Sunscreen is often associated with summers or beach trips but most people are unaware that daily sunscreen application can significantly impact skin health, even on cloudy days or when spending time indoors.
From protecting you from ultraviolet rays to combating premature aging, the skin benefits of sunscreen are profound and long-lasting.
In this blog, we tell you why you should be using sunscreens daily and the myriad sunscreen benefits for maintaining youthful, radiant skin.
How does sunscreens work?
Most sunscreens contain organic ingredients that protect your skin against UV rays, so your skin can absorb those rays.
Sunscreen protects the skin through two primary mechanisms: absorption and reflection/scattering.
Broad Sunscreens are designed to protect from both types of UV rays; UVA (which contributes to skin aging) and UVB (which causes sunburn) rays.
This protection is crucial for reducing the risk of skin damage and long-term skin issues that are associated with excessive sun exposure.
What is SPF?
SPF is a Sun Protection Factor that measures the protection against sunburn from Ultraviolet rays (UVB)
This scale indicates the time it will take for UV rays to redden and burn your skin if you don’t use sunscreen.
For example, an SPF of 30 suggests that it would take 30 times longer for skin to burn compared to not using any sunscreen at all.
SPF only refers to protection against UVB rays, so you should look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that will protect you from both UVA and UVB.
Benefits of using Sunscreen daily:
Let’s explore the benefits of using sunscreen daily.
Sunscreens contain organic compounds that can absorb UV-A & UV-B radiation and convert the harmful rays into harmful light.
Some sunscreens can refract the radiation away from your skin, acting as a physical barrier.
The ultraviolet radiation from the sun changes based on the hours and it’s the strongest at mid-day or during spring and autumn.
However, sun exposure can cause sunburns all year round, which is why it is important to use sunscreen in every season, daily.
Ultraviolet radiation is responsible for over 95% of skin cancers.
Using Sunscreen daily can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer by acting as a protective barrier against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen will reduce your skin cancer risk by up to 50% when used consistently and properly.
Sunscreen is your number one weapon to fight rapid skin aging, premature skin aging, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Ultraviolet light damages collagen and elastin in your skin, which are the proteins that keep your skin firm and supple.
By applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, you can significantly reduce the risk of sun-induced skin damage and maintain a youthful complexion.
Ultraviolet sunlight exposure can cause small blood vessels in your face to be enlarged and prominent in viability.
Your skin can look blotchy with red and purple patches that won’t go away, triggering pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Wearing sunscreen every day helps prevent this damage and keeps these enlarged blood vessels from forming.
Sunscreen plays a vital role in preventing the increase of hyperpigmentation and melasma by blocking the harmful UV that is responsible for triggering this condition.
Studies( 1, 2 ) indicate that consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen can significantly reduce the severity of melasma symptoms, with some patients experiencing marked improvements over time.
Regularly using sunscreen not only protects your skin from sun damage but also contributes to an overall improvement in the skin texture.
By preventing UV damage, sunscreen helps you maintain skin elasticity and provides hydration.
Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that individuals using sunscreen consistently report enhanced skin quality and texture, as it aids in reducing roughness and uneven skin tone.
Sunscreen is effective in reducing skin inflammation and redness associated with sun exposure.
Providing a protective barrier against UV rays, it helps minimize inflammatory responses in the skin, which can lead to conditions like rosacea or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How to apply Sunscreen correctly?
Although sunscreen is a pretty simple skincare product, applying it correctly can bring you effective results. Here’s how to use sunscreen correctly:
Tips to remember:
Excessive ultraviolet light from sun exposure can increase your risk of negative health conditions and premature aging.
Many safe and effective sunscreens are available in the market, and using them daily can provide you protection from ultraviolet rays.
Whether it's summer or winter or the sky’s cloudy, your skin requires protection from UV rays every day.
Wear a minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen every and look for broadspectrum sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun along with staying in the shade and wearing hats or UV-blocking sunglasses.
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