As we soak up the sun’s warming rays, it’s crucial to remember that too much exposure to the sun’s rays or ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause harmful effects on your skin. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and you need sunscreen to safeguard and maintain your health.
In this article, we will see the importance of sunscreen, how to select the best one, and how to apply it.
4 reasons to apply sunscreen
1. Protection against sunburns
Sunburns are not just a temporary inconvenience; they signify skin damage caused by overexposure to UVB radiation. Besides excessive exposure to the sun outside, you can also get sunburns from tanning beds and booths.
Sunscreen with enough sun protection factor (SPF) protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s radiation (UVB), preventing sunburn and its associated pain, redness, and peeling.
2. Prevents premature aging
Spending extended periods in the sun without sunscreen protection can lead to premature skin aging. Wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity, and fine spots usually characterize this.
Thankfully, these products prevent photoaging (premature aging) by reducing UV radiation’s impact on your skin. They preserve the skin’s youthful appearance and maintain its health and vitality.
3. Defense against cancer
Applying sunscreen regularly can significantly reduce the risk of getting skin cancer, including the deadliest form — melanoma. It forms a protective barrier against UVA and UVB rays which helps prevent DNA damage and the development of cancerous cells.
Besides cancer, these can also help against skin inflammation and redness, which is incredibly challenging if you have psoriasis or rosacea.
4. Prevents skin discoloration
Skin discoloration can change your appearance drastically, especially later in life. Also called “liver spots” or “sun spots”, skin discoloration usually appears on the head, face, arms, and hands. Using sunscreen regularly throughout the day can help prevent sun spots.
How to select the best sunscreen
Sun protection factor
What’s SPF? Sun protection factor (SPF) shows the level of protection against a specific type of UV radiation called UVB, which is responsible for sunburn and skin cancer.
Higher SPF values provide greater defense against UVB rays, but it’s essential to remember that no sunscreen provides 100 percent protection.
Broad-spectrum protection
Besides UVB radiation, sun rays have two other portions — UVC and UVA. Unlike UVA and UVB, UVC rays don’t penetrate the earth’s atmosphere, meaning they don’t reach its surface.
On the other hand, UVA rays are responsible for photoaging and skin cancer.
Therefore, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you from UVA and UVB rays. This information should be on the label.
Skin type and sensitivity
Consider your skin type or its sensitivity before buying sunscreen. For instance, mineral types with gentler ingredients, such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide, may be better for people with sensitive skin.
Sunscreens come in two categories: mineral and chemical. Chemical types can sting if you have sensitive skin, and that’s why mineral types are recommended.
So, if you have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients, check the label to see the product’s ingredients. This may help you avoid allergic reactions or skin irritation. You can visit a dermatologist to get a cream formulated for sensitive skin.
Water resistance
If you work outdoors or engage in activities where you’ll sweat or plan to be in the water, apply a water-resistant sunscreen. But remember, even water-resistant versions need to be reapplied regularly.
How to apply sunscreen
Choose the right SPF
Find a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and above. As mentioned, the higher the SPF, the greater the protection.
Apply an adequate amount
Always use enough sunscreen to protect all the exposed parts of your body. The rule of thumb is to apply about 30 ml (one ounce) of the cream on your whole body. Also, remember to apply it on your ears, the back of your neck, and the top of your feet.
Apply 15-30 minutes before going out
Sunscreen needs time to bind with the skin and provide protection. So apply 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.
Reapply often
You should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or more frequently if you are swimming or doing an activity where you are sweating regularly. Also, remember to reapply if you’re using your towel regularly.
As mentioned, even water-resistant versions wear off, so it’s important to reapply.
Use alongside other protective measures
Ensure sunscreen is part of a comprehensive sun protection routine. For instance, you can seek shade during peak hours, wear protective clothing (long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses), and avoid tanning booths.
Remember, your makeup may have high SPF protection, but it’s not enough. If you choose only to use makeup, you must apply more makeup than usual to reach the recommended SPF.
Takeaway
Sunscreens protect your skin against cancer, sun spots, inflammation, and more. Remember, if you’re using these with other skin care products, it doesn’t matter in which order you apply them; you can apply either one first.
Ensure you buy the best sunscreen, follow the tips on how to apply it, and use it daily even when the sun isn’t shining. However, if you have skin disorders or doubts about specific products, seek medical advice from a dermatologist.
