You've probably been hearing that sunscreen is a "must-have" for summer days at the beach, but did you know that you should wear it every day, no matter the season or the weather? Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from sun damage, which can cause wrinkles, sunburn, and skin cancer.
Here’s a breakdown of why you need SPF every day:
UV rays are always present
The sun gives off two types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays make your skin age faster by breaking down collagen and elasticity. UVB rays make your skin burn and increase your risk of skin cancer. Both types of rays can reach your skin even when it's cloudy or cold outside, as they can go through clouds and window glass. In fact, up to 40 percent of UV rays still get to the earth on a cloudy day.
Sunlight is sneaky - like, really sneaky
UV rays can also bounce off surfaces like water, sand, snow and ice, making you get more exposure to them. This means that you need to protect your skin even when you're skiing, snowboarding or enjoying winter sports, as well as when you're at the beach or pool. Plus, UV exposure goes up by about 4 percent for every 1,000 feet above sea level, so if you're spending time in the mountains, you're getting more sun than you think.
Sun damage is preventable, especially with SPF
The good news is that you can prevent most of the sun damage to your skin by using sunscreen every day. Sunscreen acts like a shield against UV rays, blocking most of them from reaching your skin. The American Cancer Society recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30. SPF tells you how well a sunscreen protects against sunburn, and the higher the SPF, the more protection it offers. You should apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of your skin at least 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or more often if you sweat or swim.
Sunscreen does more than protect from UV rays
Not only does sunscreen protect your skin from sunburn and skin cancer, but it also helps keep your skin looking beautiful and healthy. Sunscreen reduces inflammation and redness caused by UV exposure, which can make your skin look irritated and dull. Sunscreen also prevents uneven skin tone or dark spots caused by excess pigment production. Sunscreen can also help prevent wrinkles and fine lines by keeping your skin firm and smooth. By wearing sunscreen every day, you're keeping your skin radiant and youthful.
Remember, sunscreen is not just for summer. It's a year-round essential that can keep your skin healthy and youthful for years to come. Don't let UV rays ruin your skin. Protect it with SPF every day!
Come visit us today and let us help you find the best sunscreen for your skin type and lifestyle.
Comments