Wearing sunscreen daily has a variety of benefits, like the prevention of premature aging and skin cancer. Here are more benefits of SPF you may not know.
Whether you’re in a hurry on a weekday morning or feel like skipping your skincare routine on the weekend, there’s one thing you shouldn’t forego: Sunscreen. It may seem like a hassle, but sunscreen is one of the most important health precautions you can take each day Wearing SPF indoors and outdoors is the best way to protect against a wide array of skin problems, including premature aging and cancer. Want to learn more about why it’s so important to wear sunscreen daily? Here is everything you need to know, including seven crucial reasons not to skip the SPF.
Why Is Sun Exposure So Harmful?
You may already wear sunscreen when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. That’s great!
But did you know that any sun exposure at all puts you at risk for certain skin problems and damage?
Even stepping outside for a short lunch break or light coming in from the window makes you vulnerable. Cloudy days without direct sunlight are no exception; those harmful UV rays are still there.
So why is sunlight so harmful?
Ultraviolet Radiation
While it does offer the benefit of providing vitamin D, the sun produces ultraviolet (UV) rays that are a form of radiation. This can cause damage to the DNA of skin cells, which may lead to cancer or other issues.
We’ll discuss the potential problems the sun can cause shortly.
Types of UV Radiation
When you see a broad-spectrum sunscreen, that’s good.
It means it protects against the three different types of UV radiation, which are:
- UVC rays (produced by artificial light sources)
- UVA rays (most likely to cause signs of aging and certain skin cancers)
- UVB rays (cause sunburn and most varieties of skin cancer)
Why You Should Wear Sunscreen Daily
It may feel like a hassle sometimes, but there are many great reasons to spend a few minutes every day applying SPF.
Ready to find out more?
Here are seven of the most common reasons to wear sunscreen every day.
1. To Prevent Premature Aging
Many of us invest a significant amount of money into our skincare routines, hoping to combat the natural signs of aging as time goes by.
Some aging factors are inevitable and wrinkles aren’t quite as easy to erase as beauty advertisements want you to believe. Yet, wearing sunscreen is the best way to prevent them in the first place.
How?
Over time, exposure to UV rays causes damage to the fibers in your skin that keep it looking firm and young. Broad-spectrum SPF helps block UV rays, reducing your risk of developing wrinkles and rough patches.
2. To Prevent Discoloration
Melanin is the natural pigment that gives skin its color. Exposure to UV rays triggers the greater production of melanin.
Exposure to the sun or artificial UV rays can cause uneven melanin production. This happens particularly in areas that aren’t covered by clothing (such as your face, arms, and hands).
The result?
Flat, darker spots on the skin that are sometimes called sunspots, age spots, or liver spots (though they aren’t actually related to the liver).
To prevent them, be sure to wear sunscreen on all areas of your skin that clothing doesn’t cover.
3. To Prevent Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is much more of a risk than many people believe.
It’s a common myth that people who don’t spend much time outside aren’t at risk and don’t need to apply sunscreen daily.
Activities like driving or even being near a window repeatedly expose your skin to UVA and UVB rays over time. This exposure links mainly to skin cancer of the squamous cells, which is responsible for 20 percent of skin cancer deaths.
What’s the easiest way to avoid it?
Wearing sunscreen every day is an easy way to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer significantly.
4. To Prevent Sunburn
Seems obvious, right?
Nobody likes to suffer the discomfort of too much sun. It makes it difficult to sleep well, makes clothing uncomfortable, and doesn’t look great.
But the effects can be more severe than you might think.
In the short term, sunburn can be serious and cause nausea, fever, swelling, blisters, and headaches.
However, skin damage from sunburn can have long-term impacts like a greater risk of skin cancer, age spots, and premature aging.
There’s a simple solution, though.
Don’t skip the SPF, especially if you’ll be in direct sun.
5. To Protect Skin On Cloudy Days, During Winter, And Indoors
Yes, you read that right.
The damaging UV rays from the sun can still cause damage, even when it’s a dreary day, or you’re inside.
There’s more.
Even your phone and computer screen can cause skin damage. Electronics emit something called High Energy Visible (HEV) light, which may cause various issues like discoloration and premature aging.
Wear sunscreen, regardless of how much time you plan to spend outside or if the sun is shining.
6. To Care For Eczema
If you have eczema, wearing sunscreen may seem counterintuitive because sunlight helps improve flare-ups.
However, the sun’s damaging rays may also trigger an inflammatory response that can worsen symptoms.
So, what should you do?
Always wear SPF, but avoid formulations with specific ingredients that may be irritating.
These include sunscreens containing:
- alcohol
- fragrance
- chemicals to block UV rays (opt for mineral formulations instead)
7. If You Use Certain Skincare Products Or Medicines
Think your skincare game is top-notch?
If you’re not wearing sunscreen daily, you may be causing more damage by using certain products.
Ingredients in skincare products such as retinol and glycolic acid help combat the signs of aging and improve the appearance of the skin. Unfortunately, they also make you more vulnerable to sun damage.
Other suspects that lead to greater vulnerability to the sun include:
- Contraceptives
- Antibiotics
- Other common medications (both topical and internal)
These medicines create photosensitivity, increasing the risk of rashes or damage caused by light exposure.
Read the labels on all your skincare products and medicines. Do your research to determine if the active ingredients indicate that you should up your sunscreen game or use a higher SPF.
What Kind Of Sunscreen Should I Use?
Everyone is different. If you have specific concerns about what kind of sunscreen is right for your skin, it’s best to ask a professional dermatologist.
If you’re at higher risk because of frequent sun exposure, a skin condition, medicines, or products you use, you may need greater SPF. Or even a special formula that’s safe for you.
For most people, using sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher is best. Mineral formulations might be safer than those that use chemicals to block UV radiation.
Different Formulations
There are a few options for SPF protection depending on your needs:
- Sprays
- Creams
- Mineral powders
- Makeup with SPF
- SPF lotions and moisturizers
- SPF lip balm
- Scalp sunscreen
Is Sunscreen Safe?
Experts believe that the benefits of using sunscreen to prevent skin disease outweigh any unknown risks. However, sunscreen ingredients known to be harmful are not legal for sale in the United States.
Anyone with skin conditions or health concerns should always consult a physician before using a sunscreen product. They can help you find a sun protection plan that’s right for you.
Stop using a sunscreen product that causes a reaction or irritation of any kind and seek the advice of a doctor as soon as you can.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a cosmetic or serious health concern, there is a wide variety of issues exposure to UV radiation can cause.
Spending a little extra time adding SPF to your daily routine is worthwhile, whether or not you’ll be directly exposed to sunlight.
While you can spend a lot on high-end sunscreen, it isn’t always necessary. Some of the most effective brands offer SPF options that are affordable and effective.
Don’t fear fun in the sun — just protect yourself first!
[Author Bio]
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Copper Beech Radford to help them with their online marketing.
