The sun isn’t your enemy. Although too much of it is bad for your skin, it has its benefits. Getting enough sunlight helps to boost your Vitamin D intake; strengthen your immune system, and lift your moods. So it’s not all bad. I have used plenty of products to help get rid of acne, hyper-pigmentation, and black spots over the years. Like some of you, I didn’t think I really needed sunscreen. But the moment I started using it consistently, the results were more than I expected.
To protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, professionals advise the frequent application of sunscreen. No matter your complexion or skin issues, wearing sunscreen will protect your skin — even with darker skin types, which might have more natural melanin production.
There are a lot of myths about using sunscreen, but one thing you can be sure of is that it works. Sunscreen has tons of benefits for your skin; from preventing hyper-pigmentation to reducing the harsh effects of the sun.
Before you go to the store to get the first bottle you see, you will first need to know which SPF to choose.
What is SPF?
You have probably seen the SPF rating on your sunscreen bottle, but you might not know what it stands for. SPF means “Sun Protection Factor”, which refers to the amount of sunscreen you need to prevent sunburns on your skin.
The higher the SPF, the more protection from sunburn you get. You can get sunscreen in many forms, such as lotions or sprays, depending on your preference.
Note: Spraying sunscreen can be fast but you can accidentally trigger allergies or asthma because it irritates the lungs if inhaled.
Sunscreens with SPF 30 offer protection from 96% of UVB rays while sunscreens with SPF of 50 offers protection from 98% of harmful UVB rays. The Sunscreens with an SPF over 50 don’t make a significant difference to sun damage.
While you can’t achieve 100% protection, you can still take better care of your skin and prevent long-term damage.
How to Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen protects your skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun. Depending on the type of sunscreen you buy, you might have to reapply it. Here are some tips you should know about how to use sunscreen:
- Check the ingredients: what’s in your sunscreen? Skincare products like sunscreen can include various products that claim to help your skin but they don’t always. Read the ingredients list to make sure you aren’t using any harmful products.
- Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 and above to offer additional protection from the sun.
- Apply sunscreen half an hour before being exposed to the sun.
- You can reapply sunscreen after every two hours of sun exposure to prevent sunburns.
- It’s always best to use sunscreen when you are done with your skincare regimen. Wearing the protective cream after moisturizer will give you the protection you need.
Benefits of Using Sunscreen
Although your skin offers your organs natural protection, it is still essential to wear sunscreen on areas of your body exposed to the sun. Here are some of the benefits of using sunscreen you should know about:
- It reduces the risk of sunburn.
Have you ever been exposed to the sun for long hours, and your skin starts peeling a few days later? Peeling can be painful and affect your confidence, especially on your face. Using sunscreen helps prevent sunburn caused by repeated exposure to the sun.
Even during a cloudy day, wearing sunscreen also helps prevent sunburn and can help to prevent skin cancer. You can lower your chances of developing skin conditions by using the protective cream when outdoors for long periods.
2. Reduces Signs of Premature Aging
If you are worried about wrinkles and fine lines as you grow older, you should make sunscreen your friend. There’s no problem with getting old. It’s something to be proud of that you’re living longer.
But wrinkles and other visible signs of aging can affect your self-esteem and confidence. If you start using sunscreen when you’re between 20-40, it can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your forehead and around your eyes.
3. Reduces Hyper-pigmentation
Hyper-pigmentation refers to the darkening of certain parts of your skin. This uneven skin pigmentation can be hereditary, but it is mainly caused by excessive exposure to the sun. You can see it in your hands, face, and other exposed parts of your body.
Wearing sunscreen can help reduce hyper-pigmentation and promote a more even skin tone. If you’re looking to brighten areas of your skin that are mostly exposed to the sun, sunscreen can help you get your desired results.
4. Can Reduce Inflammation
If you’ve experienced redness and inflammation due to prolonged exposure to UV rays, consider using sunscreen as part of your skincare regimen. Together with sunscreen, you can also use oils on your skin to help with inflammation.
For people with sensitive skin, redness is not new so you should look for sunscreen with natural and soothing ingredients. Harsh ingredients and chemicals can lead to more redness so be careful with the ones you use.
Is Sunscreen Part of Your Skincare Routine?
Too much sunlight can damage your skin. It can cause wrinkles, sun spots, sunburn, and hyper-pigmentation. To protect your skin, wear sunscreen – even during the winter season. Daily use will help your skin stay healthy and radiant for longer.
A few weeks of consistent application will convince you to add this skincare product to your morning skincare routine. Ensure you consult a dermatologist before using any sunscreen products.
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