Often, people think they only need sunscreen if they’re going to the beach or will be in the sun for a long time. Some people know they should wear sunscreen every day, but they don’t. Most people only carry sunscreen during the summer months, but it’s essential to wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. If you don’t wear sunscreen every day, you may be putting your skin at risk.
Sun damage and skin cancer are caused by ultraviolet rays, which are always present. As ultraviolet rays are not blocked by clouds, even if the sun isn’t visible, you are still exposed to them. By wearing sunscreen, you reduce your chances of getting a sunburn. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ to ensure the best protection from the sun. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect you from UVA and UVB rays. It is important to apply sunscreen to the entire body, not just your face.
Overexposure to the sun can cause wrinkles and aging. You will appear older than you are if you have been exposed to the sun for many years. According to the Skin Care Foundation, sun exposure accounts for 90% of aging. You can avoid visible aging by wearing sunscreen every day. Any skin type can benefit from sunscreen.
If you have a darker complexion, your melanin may offer some protection from sunburns, but you still need to protect yourself from those harmful ultraviolet rays. Because of sun exposure, people with fair skin are more likely to develop skin cancer. However, people with darker skin are at a higher risk of more serious types of skin cancer. For this reason, sun protection should be used daily, no matter what your skin tone is.
When the redness fades, you might think the sunburn is no longer harmful, but that’s not true. Ultraviolet rays penetrate deep into the skin, where they can damage or even kill cells. A sunburn is the skin’s reaction to ultraviolet radiation. Unlike sunlight or heat, UV radiation cannot be seen or felt. A sunburn is caused by radiation. As a result of sunburn, you will not only get wrinkles but also be at risk for skin cancer. Skin cancers, such as melanoma, are among the most dangerous.
Those cells that produce melanin are responsible for melanomas. Melanoma can develop anywhere in the body. Most often, it develops on the back, arms, legs, and face, areas that have been exposed to the sun. Melanoma can also develop in areas that don’t receive much sun, such as the soles of your feet, palms of your hands, and fingernail beds. Hidden melanomas are more common in people with darker skin, which is why you should wear sunscreen every day regardless of your skin tone.
In addition to wearing sunscreen every day, here are some other ways you can prevent skin cancer and aging:
- Wear protective clothing as well as sunscreen. Cover your arms and legs as much as possible. Wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Don’t expose yourself to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun’s rays are strongest between these hours. Sunburns can be prevented by avoiding the sun during its strongest rays.
- Tanning beds should be avoided. They increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Get to know your skin so that you notice changes. Keep an eye out for new skin growths in existing moles, freckles, bumps, and birthmarks.
You should now be convinced to wear sunscreen all year long. You should always protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays. In the long run, worrying about your exposure to the sun every day will be worth it. If you have concerns about sun exposure, we are here for you. Contact our facial cosmetics office to schedule a consultation.
