Why sunscreen should be a staple in your skin care routine  

Sunscreen is an essential item in your skin care routine. There are a number of benefits that come with using sunscreen daily.

In this article, we dive into why you should make sunscreen a staple in your skin care routine.

First, let’s start by discussing what sunscreen is and how it works. Sunscreen is a lotion, spray, gel or cream that is applied on the skin to provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

The two types of rays that the sun emits are UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging, wrinkles, and fine lines.

UVB rays, on the other hand, cause sunburn and are responsible for the development of skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these harmful rays.

Now, let’s look at the reasons why sunscreen should be a staple in your skin care routine.

♦ Prevents Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is a leading cause.

While there are other risk factors for skin cancer, like genetics, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions, applying sunscreen daily can help decrease your risk.

Sunscreens with a broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays have been shown to help reduce the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.

♦ Protects You from Premature Aging

If you’re looking for a secret to youthful-looking skin, sunscreen is your answer.

Studies have shown that daily use of sunscreen can help to prevent premature aging caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

The damage from UV rays causes collagen to break down, leading to the development of wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and age spots.

Sunscreen can block these harmful rays from penetrating the skin, helping to keep skin looking youthful.

♦ Helps to Prevent Sunburn

Sunburns are not only physically uncomfortable, but they can also lead to skin damage and increase your risk of developing some types of skin cancer.

Applying sunscreen can help to prevent sunburn and other types of skin damage caused by UV radiation.

Sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 is recommended for daily use, as it can block up to 97% of the sun’s harmful rays.

♦ Reduces the Appearance of Dark Spots

One of the main causes of hyperpigmentation or dark spots is exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

Sunscreen can help prevent these dark spots from forming by blocking the sun’s rays. This also helps to even out skin tone and give an overall more youthful appearance.

♦ Provides Protection Year-Round

Many people only think to apply sunscreen when they are out in the sun during the summer months.

However, it is important to remember that you are exposed to UV radiation year-round, even on cloudy days.

UV rays can penetrate through clouds and even windows, so it’s important to apply sunscreen daily, regardless of the season.

♦ Choosing the Right Sunscreen

When choosing a sunscreen, it’s important to look for one with a broad-spectrum protection that will block both UVA and UVB rays.

Additionally, make sure the sunscreen has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30.

There are also various types of sunscreen available, like mineral, chemical, tinted or moisturizing so you can find one that suits your needs best.

Overall, sunscreen is a crucial step in your skin care routine. It protects against skin cancer, prevents premature aging, and reduces the appearance of dark spots.

By making sunscreen a daily habit, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of healthy, youthful-looking skin for years to come.