yes, you should wear sunscreen everyday
Hopefully by now you’ve heard how daily sunscreen application is a crucial part of your skincare routine (yes you should wear it when you’re inside, and no, it’s not just for the beach), but just in case you need a reminder, here are 5 reasons why SPF is essential in keeping your skin looking its best.
It prevents sunburn. One of the most obvious and notable benefits of sunscreen is that it protects your skin from sunburn. Pain, redness and discomfort are one thing, but the damage goes far beyond that, AND it’s totally preventable. To all the people who don’t burn, don’t think you’re in the clear, both a sunburn and a tan are signs of cellular damage. Wear the spf.
Better yet, sunscreen prevents skin cancer. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and melanoma, and UV radiation is the top risk factor causing these skin cancers. Looping back to sunburns for a hot sec: did you know that having 5 or more sunburns more than doubles your risk of melanoma? Protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays lowers your risk. Full stop.
Let’s rename sunscreen to preventative aging lotion. When it comes to healthy, younger-looking skin, it’s better to prevent now, rather than try to correct later. UV radiation causes up to 90% of premature aging in the skin - it breaks down collagen and elastin, and results in accelerated aging, fine lines and wrinkles. Want some photographic evidence? Google “twins and spf”.
Sunscreen reduces hyperpigmentation. When UV rays hit the skin it causes cells in the dermis to scramble to produce melanin to prevent further damage (aka a tan, which is really just your skin attempting to block the radiation from penetrating your skin) and they also damage your pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, which results in the overproduction of melanin causing, or exacerbating hyperpigmentation. If you’re using brightening skincare products or wanting to lighten those post-breakout spots on the skin and not wearing spf...we gotta talk.
Sunscreen prevents inflammation. UV radiation damages the DNA of immune-protecting cells, leading to inflammation and free radical damage to the skin and within the body. This can show up as accelerated aging, sunspots, breakouts, or even as chronic skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. Inflammation is no bueno.
There’s really no reason for photoaging. We can keep our skin looking good for decades if we just take care of it and wear the damn sunscreen. In the words of Baz Luhrmann, “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.”
