Sunscreen is not only crucial in the summertime. You actually need to apply it in every season and in all types of weather.
Wearing sunscreen in summer avoids sunburn and skin damage. EHE Health says you should wear sunscreen regardless of skin colour or tone.
The implementation of sunscreen comes from ancient Egypt. Rice bran extract and jasmine shielded Egyptians’ skin from the sun. The first commercial sunscreen was invented by chemists in 1936.
Today’s sunscreens are more modern – they are water-resistant and contain cosmetic and beauty products, including primers, foundations, serums and creams.
The importance of sunscreen
Besides the fact that sunscreen protects your skin from the sun, the sun also produces natural energy that causes your skin damage. The natural energy is in the form of two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays which cause different types of damage depending on how exposed you are – Ultraviolet A (UVA) is associated with premature skin ageing. Ultraviolet B (UVB) is connected to sunburns.
The outer layer of your skin is made of cells that contain a melanin pigment. They help to protect your skin from sun rays. Melanin is only able to assist you to a certain point. If you are overexposed to the UV rays, your cells darken and shed.
Without sunscreen usage, the damage can take form as intense or frequent sunburns, popped blood vessels in your skin, premature wrinkle or skin cancer.
When you look for a sunscreen, search for one that says ‘broad spectrum. It means that the sunscreen will protect you from UVA and UVB sun rays.
SPF and its relevance
Sunscreen is the main priority when it comes to summer safety and choosing the right Sun Protection Factor (SPF). SPF levels are typically 15, 30, 50 and more. The number refers to how long your skin will be protected from burning – if you apply SPF 30, your skin is protected 30 times longer than if you didn’t apply sunscreen.
Although SPF protects you for a certain amount of time, healthcare specialists recommend that you re-apply your broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours. This will guarantee your skin protection. A minimum of SPF 15 is advised when it is overcast.
Lower skin cancer risk
Skin cancer is a common type of cancer. Sunscreen, applied every day, reduces your risk of contracting skin cancers in half. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. By protecting your skin with sunscreen, you can avoid contracting melanoma.
Scientists believe that if your hair is red, your chances of skin cancer are higher. At first, they thought it was because redheads have a fair skin tone. However, in 2013, researchers discovered that the MC1R gene mutation (it creates red hair and fair skin) also created a cancer-causing gateway. A genetic propensity towards cancer is encouraged when the mutation is exposed to UV rays.
Guarded against sunburn and heat exhaustion
Sunscreen helps to protect people from painful and red sunburns. Most people don’t know that sunscreen can also guard you against heat exhaustion or a heat stroke too. The symptoms include nausea, muscle cramps and sometimes brain damage.
To avoid this from happening to you, wear sunscreen that works for your skin and be in shaded areas as much as possible. Drinking a lot of water will prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Healthy skin
Your skin is overall healthier when sunscreen becomes part of your daily routine. Your skin has essential proteins – a particular one is called keratin. Sunscreen helps to protect the keratin.
Essential proteins are responsible for smooth and healthy skin, not only in appearance but in functionality too.
Premature ageing of the skin
When the UV rays cause sun damage to your skin, it also brings photoaging. Your skin may have a thick, leathery look with discolouration and collagen breakdown. It results in lines, sagging and wrinkles.
Studies revealed that if you are below 55 and apply sunscreen regularly, you have a 24% chance of developing signs of ageing.
Life without it
A sunscreen-free life puts your skin at risk for sunburn, premature wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer. Skin cancer is on the rise because of frequent sun damage.
If you choose not to wear it, your risk of contracting melanoma is doubled.
Rather be safe than sorry. Be prepared and wear sunscreen when you leave your house. It is one of the best preventatives for skin-related conditions, and you can avoid any emergencies from taking place.
Set an example for children because they adopt habits from adults. If they see that you are applying sunscreen every day, they can use sunscreen at an early age and avoid sun damage as they grow up.
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