Sunscreen is an indispensable skincare product that acts as a protective barrier against the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Undoubtedly, this is one product that should always be considered when it comes to skincare.
Often associated with sunny beach days, sunscreen is mistakenly considered unnecessary during the colder months. However, the truth is that sunscreen should be an essential part of your daily routine, regardless of the season. Protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation is crucial for maintaining health and preventing long-term damage. In this blog, we will explore the importance of using sunscreen all year round and highlight its benefits for your skin’s well-being.
Here are a handful of reasons why sunscreens are the holy grail for eternally healthy skin.
- Shields Against Harmful UV Rays
The primary reason for using sunscreen is to safeguard your skin against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays, namely UVA and UVB, penetrate the atmosphere even on cloudy days and can cause various skin issues. UVA rays are responsible for premature ageing, while UVB rays can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) helps create a barrier that blocks or absorbs these rays, shielding your skin from damaging effects.
- Prevents Premature Aging
The quest for youthful, healthy skin often prompts individuals to invest in various anti-ageing products. However, the most effective anti-ageing strategy begins with sunscreen. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays can accelerate the ageing process by causing wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and a loss of skin elasticity. By consistently applying sunscreen throughout the year, you can significantly reduce these visible signs of ageing and maintain a youthful appearance.
Remember, prevention is critical, and protecting your skin with sunscreen is a simple yet powerful way to keep it looking radiant and vibrant for years to come.
- Reduces the Risk of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, with prolonged sun exposure being a significant contributing factor. While protecting your skin during sunny summer days is crucial, wearing sunscreen in all seasons is equally important. UV radiation can still penetrate through clouds and cause damage, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine creates a barrier significantly reducing your chances of developing this potentially life-threatening condition.
Prioritising sunscreen usage helps protect your skin cells from harmful mutations caused by UV rays and ensures you’re actively taking steps to prevent skin cancer.
- A Year-Round Necessity
The significance of using sunscreen extends far beyond beach vacations and summer months. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays should be a year-round commitment. By making sunscreen an integral part of your daily skincare routine, you shield your skin from premature ageing, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and maintain a healthy and vibrant complexion. So, regardless of the season, remember to reach for that bottle of sunscreen and let it be your steadfast ally in safeguarding the long-term health of your skin.
- Prevents Sunburns and Sun Damage
Sunburns not only create immediate discomfort but also suggest skin damage. Sunscreen with an adequate SPF can effectively prevent sunburns by absorbing and reflecting UV radiation from the sun. Sunscreen protects the skin’s DNA by reducing sunburns, preventing long-term damage that can lead to skin cancer and other skin problems.
Whether you’re one to always have sunscreen in your bag or are new to the SPF world, here’s a basic introduction to the types of sunscreen and their differences.
There are two primary types of sunscreen:
- Physical (mineral) sunscreen and
- Chemical sunscreen
The key distinction between these sunscreens is how they block UV radiation. Physical sunscreen forms a physical barrier against UV rays, whereas chemical filters absorb and scatter the spectrum, hence the original name, sunblock.
While physical sunscreen is heavier and can leave a whitish residue, it acts quickly and must be administered regularly. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen lasts longer but must be applied 20 minutes before going out in the sun. If you’re one to have sensitive and acne-prone skin, it’s best to do a chemical sunscreen patch test prior.
Despite its benefits, physical sunscreen has a thicker formulation than its chemical cousin. It’s moisturising but difficult to fully blend into the skin.
However, the good news is that new-age formulas address this concern by providing matte and tinted physical sunblock variants with less white cast than ever before and can give the skin a smooth, even-toned appearance.
Here are a few of Woovly’s best-selling sunscreens:
Some sunscreens on the market today may be a combination of physical and chemical filters, offering broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. These hybrid sunscreens provide the benefits of both types, with biological filters reflecting and scattering UV rays and chemical filters absorbing them.
Choosing a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection is essential, meaning it shields against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. Higher SPF values indicate more extended protection. However, it is crucial to remember that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming, regardless of the SPF level.
Ultimately, the choice between physical and chemical sunscreen may depend on individual preferences, skin type, and specific needs. Consulting with a dermatologist can help determine the most suitable sunscreen option for an individual’s unique circumstances.