We have all heard about the importance of sunscreen on the face; especially in the skincare regime. But, do you really know the specific reasons why is sunscreen important in skincare?

Our skin does wonders to protect us from the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. However, the skin itself needs some protection against these damaging radiations. Even when it’s cloudy out there, exposure to the sun’s rays can lead to discoloration, skin cancer, and wrinkles over time.

How can you protect your skin from these harmful rays?

Well, the biggest improvement you can make in your daily skincare routine to help protect your skin against the sun is adding sunscreen to your skincare. However, you don’t just have to apply it every morning but again and again throughout the day. So, no wonder what time of day do you not need sunscreen.

What do dermatologists say about wearing sunscreen?

Dermatologists agree, that no matter your skin type or age, the most important step in your skincare routine is sunscreen irrespective of when to apply it!

“Skipping on wearing sunscreen means there is no use in doing any other steps. The number one reason for premature skin aging is the sun”, says Dr. Magovern. And this damage does not only refer to cosmetic loss, whatever your skin color. That’s what Dr. Davis says – “People of color can and do get cancer. Moreover, if you’re trying to treat hyperpigmentation without using SPF daily, it’s like taking two steps forward and one step backward.”

Benefits of Daily Sunscreen Use

Now that we know the dermatologists’ suggestions, let’s dive some more deep into the facts. Here are the top 5 reasons why sunscreen is important in skincare:

1.    Sunscreen Reduces Risk of Sunburn

Dermatologists emphasize the importance of skin protection against sunburns.

But in the very first place, do you know how you get sunburns? Well, you can become sunburned by just spending extended time outdoors without sunscreen. Not only this but tanning beds and booths also contribute to sunburns. And the main problems with getting frequent sunburns are many skin issues including skin cancer and premature wrinkling.

Wearing sunscreen becomes even more important if you’re using Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) in your skincare products. Why? Because these acids make your skin more sensitive to UV light, even if you use these products only at night. So, if you feature AHAs in your skincare routine, make sure to protect that dewy glow by wearing sunscreen.

2.    Prevent premature aging with Sunscreen

Frequent exposure to the sun with little or no protection at all can cause serious damage to collagen, elastin, and skin cells. What does that mean?

It means that your skin can develop premature signs of aging over time, including discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, and a leathery appearance. This premature aging is called photoaging and is common in people who spend extended periods in the sun without protection, especially in their 20s and 30s.

The reason behind it? UV rays!

Quite well known for causing photoaging of the skin, UV rays are the main reason for the premature signs of aging. But, thanks to SPF – daily sunscreen use can prevent these skin issues well.

3.    Reduced Risk of Skin Cancer With Daily Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects against skin cancer – we already know this. But still, this is the most important reason to wear sunscreen daily. And that’s what makes it worthy of repeating this point. However, you may not know how significantly the risk of skin cancer is reduced by daily sunscreen use. So, let’s check out some case studies.

·         In an Australian study, daily sunblock users were compared to periodic users for their invasive melanomas over 15 years. In daily users, the invasive melanomas were almost four times less common than that of periodic sunscreen users.

·         Statistics reveal that one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. This risk of developing skin cancer can be lowered by using a minimum SPF of 30.

One of the best ways to prevent skin cancer is to use sunscreen each day, even if the weather is cloudy. For more protection, you can also increase the SPF level. If you spend prolonged time outdoors or in water, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.

4.    Sunscreen Prevents Skin Discoloration

Does sunscreen really work?

If you still think confused about whether sunscreen is effective or not, this section is for you.

The brown or tan spots or patches that develop on the skin due to sun exposure are called “liver spots” or “sun spots”. They develop on the face, head, arms, and hands. Even if you use anti-aging products like retinol, they won’t really stop these discolorations to appear. However, you can prevent the appearance of these spots on your skin by applying sunblock repeatedly throughout the day.

5.    Depletion of Ozone Layer

Did you know that sunlight has two types of harmful radiation; UVA and UVB? UVA radiation is associated with long-term skin damage like certain types of cancers and wrinkles formation. On the other hand, UVB radiation is responsible for sunburn and causes most skin cancers. Since the ozone layer is depleting, wearing sunscreen daily on a serious note has become more important. This is because a broad-spectrum SPF absorbs, reflects, and scatters sunlight, protecting your skin.

What to Do?

There is no hard and fast rule for when to apply sunscreen in your skincare routine. Just smooth on a nickel-sized lump of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on your bare skin especially the face, neck, and back of your hands. Do this 30 minutes before heading outside.

Moreover, you can also mix sunscreen with moisturizer instead of applying it as a separate step in case you want to minimize the steps in your skincare routine. However, if applying it is still much of a hassle for you, find a multipurpose product with an SPF included. For example, look for a foundation, moisturizer, or lip product with added SPF to simplify your skincare routine.

So beauties, how are you going to add sunscreen to your skincare routine? Don’t forget to let us know on our social media like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or you can comment below!

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