Although it is often considered an unnecessary step, sunscreen is a crucial preventative skincare habit that should be maintained all year round. With the constant depletion of the ozone layer, over 80% of the harmful UVB rays emitted by the sun reach the surface of the Earth. Long-term exposure to these rays is harmful to the skin and can lead to serious skin disorders.
If your goal is to have healthy, glowing skin for a long time, it is essential that you include sunscreen in your daily skincare. Sunscreens have several ingredients that act like a barrier between the skin and the damaging UV radiations.
Here are a few reasons why sunscreen should be your best friend:
Prevents Photo-Aging:
Sun damage causes DNA changes at a cellular level. Going out in the sun everyday without any protective measures can destroy the collagen and elastic tissues in your skin. Disruption of these causes loss of elasticity, which ultimately leads to wrinkly and saggy skin.
Sunscreen creates a barrier that reflects these harmful rays so that they aren’t absorbed by the skin cells. Thus, wearing SPF greater than 50 should be the first and most crucial step in your daily skincare routine.
Reduces Sun Spots
Sun damage can lead to discoloration and thick leathery-looking skin with dark spots. These tan-brown colored spots are called “sunspots” or “liver spots” and are most likely to appear on your arms, shoulder, back and face. They are caused by the excessive production of melanin, which leads to hyperpigmentation within the skin.
Protects Against Sunburn
Time and time again, dermatologists emphasize the importance of using sunscreens. Exposure to the sun for long periods of time can lead to painful sunburns and permanent scarring of the skin. These take a few days or longer to heal and are one of the leading causes of skin cancer. It is recommended to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least once every day to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer and other harmful skin issues.
Reduces The Risk of Inflammatory Disorders
The harmful rays of the sun can irritate the skin and cause severe redness and inflammation. People with sensitive skin and pre-existing conditions like psoriasis and rosacea are more prone to such inflammatory issues.
Lack of sunscreen can also cause Telangiectasias, a condition that is characterized by the appearance of thread-like red colored lines and patterns on the skin. These are commonly called spider veins and are a result of widened blood vessels in the deeper layers of the skin’s mucosa. These problems can be avoided by regular and consistent use of sunscreen.
Skin Cancer
We often forget that the skin is the largest organ of the human body and thus requires the most care. Constant exposure to UV light for long durations, as well as excessive use of tanning beds, are the leading causes of skin cancer. The UV radiations penetrate the protective layers of the skin and damage the DNA within skin cells. This causes the cells to function improperly and divide at an abnormally fast rate. This deviant cell growth is what causes melanoma.
Practicing skincare and applying sunscreen regularly reduces the risk of contracting skin disorders by half. It’s a simple practice that helps you combat a wide variety of skin-related issues. So next time you’re rushing out the door, make sure you apply a handful of SPF before you leave!
Have more questions? If so contact the experts at Missouri College of Cosmetology.