We all know that Sunscreen reduces suntan by absorbing or reflecting UV rays, helps to prevent and protect the skin appearances and maintain skin health. Sunscreen also known as sun block or sun cream is a photo protective topical product for the skin that helps to protect against sun burn too. When we were aware of these benefits we still miss or forget using our sunscreen on regular basis. Some apply then only when going out and skip using it when staying indoors. Some use sunscreen only during summer. Do you know what happens if we skip or miss sunscreen? Let’s reveal the facts.
Before getting into that lets see the benefits of sunscreen
- Protects the skin from UVA and UVB radiations that might result in skin cancer.
- Prevents the occurrence of hyper pigmentation on the skin and tanning.
- Acts as protective shield for the skin.
- Protects the skin from breakouts.
- Prevents discoloration.
- Protects from blue light emitted from your monitor or phone screen.
- Can layer it under your makeup for smooth application.
- Sunscreen is water and sweat-resistant too, which makes it ideal for prolonged outdoor wear.
How to choose sunscreen
If you are a person who prefers staying outdoors, then it is essential to choose sunscreen with a good SPF value. You can select the SPF value based upon your exposure to sunlight. An SPF 30 will be sufficient for regular indoor activities, but if you need to spend more time in the sun, go for SPF 60.
Remember using sunscreen with a poor SPF value on a sunny day is as useless as not wearing sunscreen. Go for sunscreens that have good SPF value with fewer chemicals so that you can protect the skin and prevent them from damage.
Types of sunscreens
Physical blockers reflect ultraviolet rays from the sun and contain one of the two active ingredients, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical blockers contain chemicals that absorb the sun's ultraviolet rays.
So after knowing the benefits and types of sunscreen available nobody wish to skip sunscreen. But still there are circumstances we may miss out this important skin care routine.
Let’s see about the seven things that happen when you skip wearing sunscreen:
More dark spots
Melanocytes the skin pigment of the skin, when exposed to direct sunlight becomes darker. Despite weather, hot or cold, you may notice dark spots in your skin that changes the appearance of your skin. Never think that clothing or wearing hat will help prevent this. We recommend that it's better to use sunscreen and also physically protect yourselves by wearing a hat if the sun exposure is lot. Also keep in mind that physical or chemical sun blocks are also a perfect solution to avoid this and don't skip sunscreen even if it is not so hot and cloudy.
Causes sun burn
Sunburn is an obvious result of not wearing sunscreen and this is also the first sign of sun damage. It causes irritation, redness, swelling and sometimes painful. Some may also develop blisters if your skin is sensitive. So apply sunscreen and also make sure you apply it all over the body.
Early aging
As a result of sunburns that damage the skin cells and blood vessels they also cause skin to look older, more wrinkled, dry, discoloured, and leathery. There are several large studies to show regular sunscreen use can decrease photoaging over time — redness, brown spots, and wrinkles. Researchers found UV exposure to be responsible for about 80 percent of visible signs of aging on the face. So more the exposure to the sun faster is your skin aging.Premature wrinkles are something people suffer even before 20’s. So don’t skip your sunscreen.
Increased risk for skin cancer
Nobody wishes to have skin cancer. Studies show that regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen, when used as directed, can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent. So never skip your sunscreen.
Uneven skin tone
Sun damage can cause an uneven skin tone, so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It is important to wear sunscreen every day, even if a person is not in direct sunlight, to avoid worsening of uneven skin tone. Alongwith your skin lightening cosmetics always wear a sunscreen.
Scars and breakouts
When you are constantly exposed to the sun your skin gets dry and damaged. This may lead to accumulation of dead skin cells that clogs your pore and skin gets oilier leading to acne breakouts. Acne prone skin when exposed to sun are at high risk of developing acne scars, dark spots and more. To avoid this series of skin concerns use sunscreen even if you stay indoors or even if you don’t have acne.
Skin gets dry and dull
Even if you believe it or no the sun will suck the moisture from your skin without sunscreen. As a result skin looks dehydrated and leads to skin damage giving a rough skin. Apply moisturizing sunscreen which can boost your skin hydration. Or you can wear your moisturizer first and then apply a layer of sunscreen if your skin is already dry.
So, wearing sunscreen every day can help prevent these signs of aging and keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. Certain sunscreen comes with moisturizing factors to keep your skin hydrated, moisturized and glowing.
Conclusion
By now, most people understand the importance of sunscreen. It’s no longer seen as something to be applied exclusively at sunny pool parties or backyard barbecues, but instead a critical part of a person’s daily skincare routine even if you stay in region covered by snow.
You can explore a range of sunscreens at cureka.com