5 Reasons To Wear Sunscreen Everyday

March 1, 2023 by VitalSkin Dermatology

Sunscreen is a safe and reliable way to protect our skin from exposure to the sun. Unfortunately, not all of us choose to take advantage of this, making every excuse to not use this helpful skincare product on a regular basis. If you have been avoiding sunscreen, here are five important reasons to reconsider.

#1 – It helps to slow the aging process.

You may feel like you have a healthy, youthful glow after you get a bit of sun but, the truth is, you are doing damage to your skin by getting sun exposure. Over time, this damage will increase the aging process in the skin, causing it to lose elasticity, increase wrinkles, and darken age spots.

Wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis is one of the most effective ways to slow the aging process. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays that penetrate deep into the dermis and can cause damage over time. Not only will wearing sunscreen prevent wrinkles, but it can also protect against sunburns, age spots and certain forms of skin cancer.

Ideally, you should reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating significantly to maximize protection. Remember to limit sun exposure when possible by staying away from direct sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm when UV radiation is strongest.

The best anti-aging solution for anyone can be wearing sunscreen on a daily basis and avoiding extended tanning sessions.

#2 – It can help improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Many people develop different forms of hyperpigmentation over time. Women, for example, often develop melasma after giving birth, creating darker spots around the edge of the forehead and jawline. People with acne can also develop acne scarring that leaves darker areas of skin around the face.

Sun exposure can darken existing discolorations, making them appear worse and more noticeable. Sunscreen acts as a barrier between the sun’s destructive UV rays and your skin, shielding it from further damage. The active ingredients in sunscreen work to absorb UV rays before they have a chance to reach your skin, keeping any existing pigmentation from darkening further.

Applying SPF 30 or higher each day will help protect against further discoloration, allowing you to maintain an even tone and reduce the appearance of any unwanted patches on your skin. In addition, wearing sunscreen also prevents more spots from developing, as prolonged sun exposure increases your risk of developing new hyperpigmented areas such as freckles or age spots.

Whether you already have hyperpigmentation or want to prevent it in the future, regular use of sunscreen can make all the difference in achieving healthier skin that looks brighter and more even-toned.

#3 – Reduce the risk of skin cancer

Skin cancer is an increasing reality for many. In the U.S. alone, over 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, according to Skin Cancer Foundation. Cases of melanoma, in particular, have increased greatly over the last 30 years.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV rays damage and alter the DNA in our cells, causing them to grow and divide abnormally. The longer you are exposed to UV radiation, the greater your risk of developing skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays both contribute to skin cancer, with UVA being more closely linked to photoaging and wrinkles, while UVB is associated with sunburns and higher rates of skin cancer. To reduce your risk for skin cancer, it’s important to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen daily and limiting your exposure to the sun during peak hours (10am – 4pm).

To get the most health benefits out of sunscreen, look for the following properties in any sunscreen product:

• Broad-spectrum protection that protects against UVA and UVB rays
• A rating of SPF 30 or higher
• Water resistance

Those with sensitive skin can look for physical sunscreens such as zinc or titanium oxide if they are concerned that other products might aggravate their skin.

#4 – Everyone needs it.

If you have a skin type that doesn’t burn easily, you may think that you can bypass sunscreen. That is not the case. Even in darker skin tones, the sun can cause damage over time.

Yes, skin cancers are more prevalent in people with lighter skin, but they can also affect those with darker complexions. People with darker skin may even develop skin cancer in areas that are not often exposed to the sun.

There are also concerns that skin cancers remain undiagnosed in people with darker skin until after the disease has already reached later stages. Wearing sunscreen on a regular basis is an important component of any skincare regime, no matter your skin tone.

#5 – It can reduce inflammation in the skin.

UV rays penetrate the skin and trigger an immune response that causes inflammation. This inflammation can lead to the worsening of preexisting skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Those with these chronic skin conditions are especially vulnerable to this type of inflammatory response due to their already compromised skin barrier, making it difficult for them to protect themselves from UV radiation. In addition, UVA and UVB rays both have wavelengths that penetrate deep into the dermis layer of the skin which further exacerbates any inflammatory symptoms present. Sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect against UV ray exposure and reduce inflammation-causing damage for those with existing skin issues.

Integrate Sunscreen Into Your Skincare Routine Today

Sunscreen is a saving grace, allowing us to enjoy a fun day in the sun without damaging our skin and providing critical protection each and every day. If you have skin conditions due to excess sun exposure or have questions about how to integrate sunscreen into your daily regime, contact the experts at VitalSkin Dermatology today.