5 Benefits Of Applying Sunscreen & Tips On Using Sunscreen To Get Maximum Benefits
Applying sunscreen is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect the skin's health and appearance. Read more to know the advantages of sunscreen and how to use them effectively to get maximum benefits.
5 Benefits Of Applying Sunscreen:
Lowers the skin cancer risk: Sunlight contains 2 harmful rays which reach the earth – UVA and UVB rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays is the leading cause of skin cancer. When regularly and appropriately used, sunscreens can protect you against skin cancer and skin precancers. In people who fail to protect themselves from the sun, skin precancers are common, and if left untreated, can put them at higher risk of skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the most common types of skin cancer. According to the skin cancer foundation, sunscreen can reduce the chance of getting squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and melanoma (a dangerous form of skin cancer) by 50%.
Prevent sunburn: Sunburn generally appears within a few hours after excessive exposure to UV light from sun or artificial sources. UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburns. Frequent sunburns can lead to premature skin aging and skin cancer. The more the burns, the greater your risk of developing skin cancer.
Using broad-spectrum sunscreens can help prevent sunburns. Though anyone can get a sunburn, people with fair skin are more prone to sunburn. Remember to wear sunscreen every day as you can get sunburn on cloudy or cool days also.
Avoids premature aging, one of the best benefits of applying sunscreen: Everyone desires to have young and glowing skin. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen to look more youthful and avoid signs of aging.
Ultraviolet A rays are mainly responsible for causing premature skin aging. These rays can cause the breakdown of collagen, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. A 2013 study published on Annals of Internal Medicine states that regular use of sunscreen by young and middle-aged adults younger than fifty-five can retard skin aging.
Skin aging signs (wrinkling & coarser skin) during the study period was found to be 24% less among participants who used sunscreen daily when compared with participants who use sunscreen occasionally.
Maintains even skin tone: Like young skin, we all wish to have an even complexion. Sun exposure is one of the causes of uneven skin tone. Dark spots or blotchy skin may occur on the face and other parts of the body frequently exposed to the sun.
Sunscreen application can prevent the formation of dark spots and discoloration and is one of the wonderful benefits of applying sunscreen. Eating vitamin C rich foods (oranges, guava, strawberries, kiwis), staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol can also help prevent uneven skin tone.
Preserves skin health: Using sunscreen protects the skin proteins such as keratin, elastin, and collagen. These proteins help keep skin smooth and healthy. The other advantages of sunscreen are preventing redness and inflammation due to overexposure to the sun.
Tips On Using Sunscreen To Get Maximum Benefits:
- Use sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (protects against both UVA & UVB rays). SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher and Water-resistant (less likely to be removed by water or sweat)
- Apply sunscreen fifteen before going outside and reapply approximately every two hours or even more often if you engage in intense activities or swimming.
- Be sure to apply lip balm or stick with at least sun protection factor 30 as skin cancer also affects lips.
- Cream-based sunscreens are suitable for dry skin, and gel-based sunscreens are suitable for oily skin. If you have any allergies or sensitive skin, ask your doctor to recommend a suitable sunscreen.
- Do not use sunscreens after the expiration date and if you find any visible changes such as in colour or consistency.
- Apply sunscreen every day as the harmful rays can penetrate the skin even on cloudy days.
Wear SPF - Your Skin’s Primer:
Keep in mind that using sunscreen is crucial, but sunscreen alone is not enough to stay away from sun damage. Try to avoid going outside between 10am to 2pm when the sun rays are strongest. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, a hat, and sunglasses while going out in the sun.
