You’ve been told countless times that you’re supposed to wear sunscreen. But have you ever really been told why? Of course we want to avoid the pain and suffering of a sunburn, but sunscreen does so much more than only sunburn prevention. It performs crucial functions that help maintain your overall health and the health and appearance of your skin, which is why it should be incorporated into your everyday skincare routine.
Here are top 5 reason why you need to be wearing sunscreen everyday:
Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancers:
The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and melanoma. The top causing risk factor of all three? UV radiation. Consistent and ample protection from the sun’s UV rays helps lower your risk, making daily sunscreen application a must.
Sunscreen prevents early aging:
Although we long for those bright summer days, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation is responsible for almost 90% of visible signs of aging. Exposure to UV radiation causes the premature breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Regularly wearing sunscreen will let you boast smooth, youthful skin for years to come while enjoying those sunny days.
Sunscreen reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation
Frequent sun exposure will cause hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is when patches of skin are darkened due to the changes in the body’s production of melanin, which gives our skin its color. Those with darker skin are naturally more prone to hyperpigmentation.
Sunscreen prevents inflammation of the skin
UV radiation will damage the DNA of immune-protecting cells, leading to inflammation within the body. This means that our immune system decreases our body’s ability to protect us from dangerous skin cancers and other illnesses. Our immune systems play an essential role at maintaining our overall health, so healthy skin = healthy body.
Sunscreen prevents sun sensitivity
Wearing sunscreen helps prevent solar irritation in people that have sun-sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea and lupus. These conditions are worsened when exposed to UV rays and can lead to redness and burning. So slather on the sunscreen lotion especially if you have sensitive skin!
How to wear sunscreen
Whether living in a cold winter climate or hot sunny destinations, leading a WFH lifestyle or are a total outdoors person; sunscreen needs to be worn daily. Be sure to reapply every 2 hours and use an SPF of no less than 30. Try to find a cream that has broad spectrum protection to ensure you’re protected from all the sun’s harmful rays. Unsure of which sunscreen to use? Here’s our top 3 sunscreen picks:
- EltaMD's UV Clear SPF 46 - a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen and moisturizer to help calm and protect sensitive skin types. Ideal for those with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, combination skin and oily skin.
- Vivier's Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 45 - a silky sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Ideal for all skin types.
- SkinMedica's Daily Physical Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 34 - an ultra sheer, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection mineral sunscreen. Ideal for those with normal skin, combination skin, oily skin, mature skin, acne prone, and sensitive skin.