5 Important Reasons to Wear Sunscreen

We have all heard how important it is to wear sunscreen for skin protection, but do you know the specific reasons why? Our skin works to protect us from harmful ultraviolet radiation, which is why we should use sunscreen to protect us from damaging UV rays. Even on cloudy days, our skin is susceptible to the sun’s rays which can lead to skin cancer, discoloration, and wrinkles over time.

The biggest change you can make in your daily routine to help protect your skin is applying sunscreen each morning and again throughout the day. It’s also crucial that you contact your local Board-Certified Dermatologist if you notice any changes in your skin or new spots. Below, we outline the importance of daily sunscreen use and how you can protect your skin. 

1. Protection from UV Radiation

UV Rays Cause Skin Damage: The sun emits UVA and UVB rays that can penetrate the skin. UVB rays can cause sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper, causing premature aging and increasing skin cancer risk.

SPF Protection: Sunscreen with a high SPF protects against these harmful rays by absorbing or reflecting them, reducing damage.

2. Prevents Premature Aging

Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines: UVA rays break down collagen and elastin, proteins that keep skin firm and youthful. Sunscreen protects against this degradation, reducing early signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging.

Prevents Hyperpigmentation: Sun exposure can lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone, especially in areas already prone to discoloration. Sunscreen helps prevent this by blocking the rays that trigger melanin production.

3. Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer

UV Exposure and Cancer Risk: Prolonged UV exposure is a leading cause of skin cancer. Regular sunscreen use significantly reduces the risk of both melanoma (a deadly form) and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Protects All Skin Types: While people with fair skin are more prone to sunburn, skin cancer can affect any skin type. Using sunscreen provides essential protection for everyone.

4. Maintains an Even Skin Tone

Prevents Sunspots: Areas exposed to the sun can develop sunspots or liver spots over time. These darkened areas are a result of sun damage and can become more prominent with age.

Helps with Skin Conditions: For people with skin conditions like melasma, rosacea, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sunscreen can prevent these conditions from worsening due to sun exposure.

5. Saves You from Sunburn and Its After-Effects

Painful Burns: Sunburn damages the top layers of skin, leading to redness, blistering, and peeling. Repeated sunburns can also increase your risk of skin cancer.

Long-Term Damage: Even mild sunburns accumulate damage over time, making the skin more sensitive and more prone to premature aging.

Tips for Using Sunscreen Effectively

Choose Broad-Spectrum SPF: A broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Apply Generously and Often: Use enough to cover all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Don’t Forget Areas like Ears, Neck, and Hands: These are often exposed and vulnerable to sun damage.