Skin specialists all around the world cannot emphasize enough the absolute need for everyone to apply sunscreen. Most of us use sunscreen only as a way to avoid sunburns, but really it should be a year-round protection against harmful rays of the sun. To better understand your skin type and clarify the type of product you should be using, reach out to a dermatologist online. The reasons for wearing sunscreen are umpteen:
- Sunscreen prevents UV rays to enter the skin: With the depletion of the ozone layer, sunscreens are instrumental in protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun that penetrate our skin. These rays can cause sunburns and damage.
- Prevents hyperpigmentation: It is a common myth that darker skin tones do not need sunscreen just because hyperpigmentation is not evident. But it can still pose a threat to the skin. Sunscreen can help prevent the darkening of skin and the patchy texture of the skin. It helps you maintain a smoother supple skin tone.
- Saves you from the risk of skin cancer: Harmful sun rays are the top reason for 3 types of skin cancer — basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and melanoma. Sunscreen stops UV radiation and helps prevention of the 3 painful diseases.
- Prevents pre-mature aging: Harmful UV radiation is one of the main causes of extrinsic aging. Long exposure to sunlight causes pre-mature breakdown of collagen and elastin in our skin resulting in fine lines and pre-mature wrinkles. The sun’s rays directly on our skin is the main cause of visible signs of aging on our bodies.
- Reduces sensitivity to the sun: Exposure to the UV rays of the sun can cause internal irritations too, especially to people with pre-existing sun sensitive conditions like lupus.
When should you wear sunscreens?
There is no wrong time to wear sunscreen. The people who think harmful UV rays cannot reach inside your homes are wrong. On a sunny day, sun rays can penetrate your mirrored windows and even blinds. That is how house plants survive. The most common misconception about sun protection is that you don’t need it inside. Now that we are stuck in our homes because of social distancing, it is very important to educate yourself and others about the importance of sunscreens indoors too. We leave our skins vulnerable for long periods of time.
Your everyday glass windows block UVB but not UVA rays, which can penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays and are the main contributing factor to premature ageing — which can be seen as dark spots, wrinkles, & leathery textured skin.
Sunscreen is also helpful in other ways. It not only saves you from UV rays, but even blue light, from all our electronic devices. Since due to our lifestyle today, most of us sit in front of our phones, laptops and TV all day, sunscreen can save us from them too. While blue light cannot cause sunburns, it can cause a lot of skin damage on prolonged exposure.
In order to not let this happen, dermatologists suggest doing two primary things: “Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when you are indoors and use an anti-oxidant serum to prevent oxidation.”
What is the correct way of applying sunscreens?
It is very important to find the correct kind of sunscreen for you. Sunscreens are available in the market in various form and strengths. There are so many SPF or Sun Protection Formula options available that there is a solution for everyone! This includes stick, water-resistant, and mineral sunscreen. To protect your face, it’s often convenient to find a multi-purpose product with SPF included. SPF is not included in foundations, moisturizers and even lip products which helps you keep your daily routine simple and hassle-free.
Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare and makeup routine. Dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreens with SPF no less than 30, every 2 hours in the day. There is a ton of misinformation about how chemical sunscreens are harmful. One can always opt for mineral sunscreens. Using all-natural products like aloe vera and turmeric as sunscreen will never help as SPF is made to specially protect our skins. Though these products may sometimes add aloe vera and other natural ingredients, but know that these ingredients alone are not enough.
For further information and any other questions about skin damage and skin-related issues, consult a professional dermatologist. Steer clear of online hacks as most of them end up being gimmicks.