It’s no secret that the sun is good for your skin. It’s an essential source of vitamin D, which helps bones and muscles stay strong, regulates calcium absorption in the body, and may play a role in preventing some types of cancer. But too much sun exposure can also damage your skin over time — not to mention increase your risk of developing melanoma and other cancers. That’s why it’s so important to wear sunscreen, or SPF (Sun Protection Factor) every day. Even on cloudy days or during less intense activities like walking around town or gardening.
SPF helps prevent skin cancer and skin aging
Sunscreen isn’t just an essential skincare product. It’s also one of the most effective ways to protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. UV rays can cause skin cancer, premature aging and other signs of sun damage like uneven pigmentation or wrinkles.
Sun protection comes in many forms: sunscreens that block out UVB rays (which cause redness and skin cancer) and ones that protect against UVA rays (which cause wrinkles). Look for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage; this means it protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation.
You can always speak to our skin specialist Abigail who is based in our Skin Clinic right here at The Boutik salon in Plymouth. She can provide a range of advice and will point you in the right direction when making decisions on how best to protect your skin!
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach your skin in many ways
UV rays can reach your skin in many ways. UV rays can reach your skin through windows. UV rays can reach your skin through clouds. UV rays can reach your skin through snow, sand and water.
Find sunscreen that works for you
Finding the right sunscreen is crucial. Make sure it’s broad spectrum and has an SPF of 30 or more. To find a good one, check the labels on your favourite brands to see if they meet these criteria:
- Broad-spectrum protection (protects against both UVA and UVB rays). This is important because UVB rays burn your skin, while UVA rays can cause premature aging and wrinkles.
- Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher—and one that stays effective even after you go swimming or sweat a lot.
Apply and reapply SPF sunscreen properly
While applying sunscreen is important, it’s vital to re-apply it throughout the day. You should apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your skin at least 20 minutes before going outside—but no more than 30 minutes before stepping out into the sun. Make sure to reapply after sweating or swimming, too (and reapply if you’re planning on staying outside for more than two hours).
You should also make sure that every exposed part of your body has some form of protection from UV rays. Don’t forget about those adorable little toesies! And if you’re working up a sweat outside. Remember that sweat can dilute the effectiveness of sunscreen by making it less effective at blocking those harmful UV rays from penetrating your skin.
Wearing SPF sunscreen is one of the best — and easiest — ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age. Used regularly, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging
Wearing sunscreen is one of the best, and easiest, ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age. Used regularly, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV rays are a leading cause of skin cancer. UV rays can reach your skin in many ways. When you’re walking in the sun, driving with your windows down or up or just sitting outside on a warm day. Even though we don’t see or feel UV rays, they can damage DNA in our cells which can lead to cancerous growths that appear later on in life.
Conclusion
We all know that SPF is the best way to protect your skin from sun damage, but it’s not always easy to remember to apply it every day. If you’re getting tired of forgetting or just want to take some extra precautions against wrinkles, consider using an SPF moisturizer instead! It will help protect your skin and keep it looking youthful for years. Ask Abigail at the Skin Clinic about her favourite SPF on your next visit to The Boutik Salon
