Why Is Sunscreen Important? | 5 Reasons For Using It

Putting on sunscreen is probably the most important part of a skincare routine, yet many people forget to do it. When you spend time outdoors, you need to make sure that you're protecting your skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays come from the sun, and while there are other sources such as tanning beds and indoor fluorescent lights, the sun is the biggest culprit when it comes to causing premature aging and skin cancer.

If you want to keep your skin looking young and healthy, then you must take precautions against UV rays by applying high-quality sunscreen every single day. In this article, we'll talk about the different benefits of using sunscreen and why it's important to use one.

1) It Helps Prevent Premature Aging.

Premature aging is caused by exposure to the sun's UVA rays. These rays penetrate deeper into the layers of your skin than UVB rays, causing long-term damage over time. They can lead to the development of the signs of skin aging like sagging skin and age spots. Applying high-quality SPF products can help block out these rays, preventing them from doing further damage. You may not see the results immediately, but over time you will begin to notice less wrinkling and sagging.

When you apply sunscreen regularly, you can prevent a number of common signs of aging before they even start. For example, if you have wrinkles around your eyes, applying sunscreen will help reduce their appearance. This is due to the fact that the sun causes collagen levels to decline, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles forming. However, don't worry; with regular application of sunscreen, these issues should be reduced. Sunscreen will help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, so you won't end up with any new wrinkles.

2) It Decreases Your Risk for Skin Cancer.

Probably the most important reason why you should wear sunscreen is because it protects your skin from getting cancer. It's important to note that there are two types of skin cancer: nonmelanoma and melanoma. Nonmelanoma skin cancers include things like basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and it usually develops when cells in the skin become damaged. Fortunately, this can be prevented through the daily use of sunscreen.

Doctors recommend applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily. If you're spending more time outside during the summer months, you'll need a higher SPF product than someone who spends more time indoors. The level of SPF may also vary depending on how much time you spend in direct sunlight. Some people who don’t work outside all day may only require an SPF 15 sunscreen, whereas others may need something with a higher SPF.

3) It Prevents You From Getting Sunburns.

Sunburns are very painful and can cause serious damage to your skin. While they can heal quickly, the pain and discomfort associated with them can linger for weeks after. One way to avoid burns is by wearing sunscreen. Using a quality SPF product every day can help prevent the burning sensation that comes from being exposed to the sun.

It’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen even when you’re indoors. Broad-spectrum sunscreens provide broad protection from both UVA and UVB rays, meaning that they can prevent sunburns as well as minimize the risk of developing skin cancer. Make sure you pay attention to areas where you tend to get burned as well.

4) It Reduces Pigmentation

Another benefit of using sunscreen is that it reduces pigmentation and helps protect your skin from getting darker over time. If you leave your skin unprotected from the sun for long periods of time, you may notice that your skin starts turning dark. While this isn't necessarily bad, it can be caused by inflammation or an increase in melanin production.

However, excessive sun exposure can cause uneven pigmentation, including freckles, moles, and dark spots on your face. When you expose yourself to too many UV rays, your body produces extra pigment to compensate. As a result, you could end up with darker patches on your face, arms, legs, shoulders, and other parts of your body.

5) It Maintains Your Skin’s Healthy Glow.

The last reason why it’s important to wear sunscreen every day is it keeps your skin looking healthy for longer. When you apply sunscreen to your skin, it absorbs into the top layer of your epidermis, which prevents harmful UV rays from reaching deeper layers. This allows your skin to stay hydrated and protected from damage. In addition to protecting your skin from sun damage, applying sunscreen every day will also help maintain its healthy glow.

The Bottom Line

Wearing sunscreen isn't just for sunny days; it's essential to use it daily to protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays. Not only does it help prevent signs of aging, but it also helps decrease your risk for skin cancer. With everyday use, you can expect to have healthy skin that’s glowing.