The Importance of Using Sunscreen

By using sunscreen regularly, you can protect yourself from skin damage and premature ageing.

Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine. It is formulated to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. Sun damage can have a variety of negative effects on the skin, including premature ageing, sunburn, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. In this article, we will explore the importance of sunscreen and how it can protect your skin.

Sun damage is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays. These rays can penetrate the skin and damage its DNA. These effects can be exacerbated by other environmental factors such as pollution and smoking.

Another effect of sun damage is the development of dark spots on the skin. These spots are caused by an overproduction of melanin in the skin, which is triggered by exposure to UV rays. Perhaps the most serious effect of sun damage is an increased risk of skin cancer. Exposure to UV rays can cause damage to the skin’s DNA, which can lead to the development of cancerous cells. 

Sunscreen is designed to protect the skin from these harmful effects. It works by absorbing or reflecting the sun’s UV rays, and preventing them from penetrating the skin. There are two types of UV rays that can damage the skin: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause long-term damage, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and short-term damage. Sunscreen should provide protection against both types of UV rays.

There are a variety of different types of sunscreen available, including chemical and physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s UV rays, while physical sunscreens work by reflecting them. Chemical sunscreens tend to be more lightweight and easier to apply, while physical sunscreens can be thicker and more difficult to rub in. Both types of sunscreen can be effective, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for your skin type. Some people find that chemical sunscreens irritate their skin, so if that’s the case, be sure to check out other options. Look for a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30, but if you spend most of your time outside, look at options with SPF 50.

When applying sunscreen, it’s important to use enough to provide adequate protection. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb into the skin. It should also be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

However, wearing sunscreen alone isn’t going to protect your skin—there are a variety of other steps you can take to protect your skin from sun damage. Wearing protective clothing, such as hats and long-sleeved shirts, can provide an additional layer of protection. Seeking shade during peak sun hours (10am to 4pm) can also help to reduce your exposure to UV rays.

For those worried about obtaining vitamin D, most studies show that 10-15 minutes of direct sunlight is enough to produce the vitamin. If you are still concerned, speak to your doctor about starting a vitamin D supplement.

At Seva At Home, we produce a wealth of free health information to help individuals and families live healthier, happier lives. This has been produced by independent research carried out by the Seva At Home team. This information is not a replacement for medical advice. Please consult your physician for relevant medical diagnosis and advice.

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