The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it is constantly exposed to numerous environmental factors such as pollution, dust, and harmful radiations from the sun.
The sun, which emits ultraviolet rays (UV), is one of the most significant factors that affect the skin.
UV rays come in two forms that are dangerous to the skin: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate the skin deeply, while UVB rays cause sunburns and skin damage.
Sunscreen is a skincare product used to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of using sunscreen regularly and what you need to consider when buying quality sunscreen products.
Benefits of Regular Sunscreen Use
1. Protection from Sunburns
Sunburns are one of the skin conditions caused by overexposure to the sun. Sunburns can cause pain and may even lead to skin cancer. Sunscreen protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Sunscreen can prevent sunburns, which are a considerable risk to the human body.
2. Reduced Skin Aging
UV radiation from the sun causes premature aging of the skin. Sun damage leads to wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and other skin imperfections. When sunscreen is applied regularly, it can help reduce these effects and delay the aging process. Sunscreen can protect against the effects of photoaging caused by UV radiation.
3. Lowers the Risk of Skin Cancer
Skin cancers are the most common form of cancer worldwide. Skin cancer is caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Sunscreen is an effective way of preventing skin cancer by blocking the harmful rays that cause the condition. Sunscreen can protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation that increase the risk of skin cancer.
4. Promotes Even Skin Tone
Skin discoloration or uneven skin tone is caused by sun exposure. UV rays can cause the development of dark spots on the skin. The use of sunscreen helps to prevent these dark spots from developing. Sunscreen promotes an even skin tone by blocking the harmful radiation that causes skin discoloration.
5. Helps Skin to Heal After a Procedure
After a skincare procedure, the skin is left vulnerable to damage and requires protection. Sunscreen can help protect the skin from harmful radiation, speed up the healing process, and prevent scars from forming.
Things to Consider When Buying Sunscreen
When buying sunscreen, it's essential to consider some factors to ensure you get a quality product that will provide the necessary protection for your skin. The following are considerations when buying sunscreen.
1. Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
The SPF rating of sunscreen indicates the extent of protection offered by the product. The higher the SPF, the better the protection against harmful UV radiation. SPF 30 is the recommended minimum for sunscreen. It provides protection against 97% of harmful UVB radiation. Higher SPF doesn't mean that you can stay out in the sun for longer periods. You still need to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
2. Broad-Spectrum
Sunscreens come in two types: broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect the skin against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVA radiation causes aging, while UVB radiation causes burning. A broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection against both types of radiation.
3. Water Resistance
Water-resistant sunscreen provides longer protection when exposed to water while swimming or sweating. The FDA has two water resistance designations, "water-resistant" and "very water-resistant." Water-resistant sunscreen lasts for 40 minutes, while very water-resistant lasts for 80 minutes.
4. Skin Type
The skin type determines the type of sunscreen you need. Some sunscreens contain ingredients that may cause allergies that affect people with sensitive skin. The ingredients may also cause acne in individuals with oily skin. People with dry skin may experience irritation from applying sunscreen. This means that the buyer must consider their skin type to buy the right sunscreen.
5. Type of Sunscreen
Sunscreens come in different forms, such as lotions, sprays, and creams. Lotions are the most common form of sunscreen, and they are easy to apply. Spray sunscreens are an effective way of applying sunscreen to large areas, but they may not offer enough protection as they are often not applied in a thick enough layer. Cream sunscreens are thick and protect the skin well, but they may feel heavy or sticky.
The benefits of regular sunscreen use on the skin are significant.
The skin is vulnerable to sun damage, which leads to the development of skin cancers, premature aging, and discoloration.
When buying sunscreen, it's essential to choose a product with a high SPF rating, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant. The sunscreen should also be suitable for your skin type, and you should consider other factors such as the type of sunscreen and the ingredients.
Regular sunscreen use helps protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation, ensuring a healthy and beautiful appearance.
