Importance Of Sunscreen In Skin Care

Sunscreen is one of the most essential products in any skin care routine, yet many people tend to skip it or use it incorrectly. Sunscreen is not only important for preventing sunburns, but also for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause premature aging, pigmentation, and skin cancer. In this blog, we will explain why sunscreen is important in skin care, how to choose and use it properly, and what other benefits it can offer for your skin.

Why is sunscreen important in skin care?

Sunscreen is important in skin care because it can protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays, which are emitted by the sun and other sources, such as tanning beds or lamps. UV rays are divided into two types: UVA and UVB. UVA rays can penetrate deeper into your skin and cause long-term damage, such as wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots. UVB rays can affect the surface of your skin and cause short-term damage, such as sunburns, redness, and inflammation. Both types of UV rays can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in the United States.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), about 90 percent of skin aging is causedby sun exposure. Sunscreen can help prevent or delay the signs of aging by blocking or filtering the UV rays that can break down the collagen and elastin in your skin, which are the proteins that give your skin its structure and elasticity. Sunscreen can also help prevent or fade the pigmentation or discoloration that can result from sun exposure, such as freckles, melasma, or age spots. By wearing sunscreen, you can maintain a more even and youthful complexion.

Sunscreen can also help prevent or reduce the risk of skin cancer, which affects one in five Americans in their lifetime. Sunscreen can help prevent the DNA damage that can lead to the formation of cancerous cells in your skin. Sunscreen can also help prevent the immune suppression that can occur from sun exposure, which can make your skin more vulnerable to infections and tumors. By wearing sunscreen, you can protect your skin from the potentially life-threatening consequences of sun exposure.

How to choose and use sunscreen properly?

To get the most benefits from sunscreen, you need to choose and use it properly. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and has an SPF of at least 30. Broad-spectrum means that the sunscreen can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Water-resistant means that the sunscreen can stay effective for up to 40 or 80 minutes in water or sweat. SPF stands for sun protection factor, and it indicates how well the sunscreen can prevent sunburns. The higher the SPF, the more protection it can offer, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of UV rays. The AAD recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which can block about 97 percent of UV rays.

Apply sunscreen generously and evenly to all exposed areas of your skin at least 15 minutes before going outside. You need to use enough sunscreen to cover your skin well, which is about one ounce (or enough to fill a shot glass) for your entire body. You need to apply sunscreen to all areas of your skin that are not covered by clothing, such as your face, neck, ears, hands, and feet. You also need to apply sunscreen under your makeup, as most cosmetics do not provide adequate sun protection. You need to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside, to give it time to absorb and form a protective layer on your skin.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Sunscreen can wear off over time, especially if you are in water or sweat a lot. You need to reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you are in water or sweat a lot. You also need to reapply sunscreen after towel-drying, as this can remove some of the sunscreen from your skin. You need to reapply sunscreen even if it is cloudy or overcast, as up to 80 percent of UV rays can pass through clouds.

What other benefits can sunscreen offer for your skin?

Besides protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, sunscreen can also offer other benefits for your skin, such as:

Hydrating your skin. Some sunscreens contain moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera, that can help hydrate your skin and prevent dryness or flakiness. Hydrated skin can look more plump, smooth, and radiant.

Soothing your skin. Some sunscreens contain soothing ingredients, such as oatmeal, chamomile, or green tea extract, that can help calm your skin and reduce inflammation or redness. Soothing skin can look more healthy, even, and glowing.

Enhancing your skin tone. Some sunscreens contain tinted or color-correcting ingredients, such as iron oxides, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide, that can help enhance your skin tone and conceal any imperfections or blemishes. Enhanced skin tone can look more natural, flawless, and beautiful.

Conclusion

Sunscreen is important in skin care because it can protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays, which can cause premature aging, pigmentation, and skin cancer. To get the most benefits from sunscreen, you need to choose and use it properly. You also need to wear sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather or the season, as UV rays can affect your skin all year round. By wearing sunscreen, you can not only protect your skin from the sun, but also improve its health and appearance.

Happy Skin Care!