The benefits of sunscreen as a must have product

1. Reduce Your Risk Of Skin Cancer 

Sunscreen protects your skin and reduces your risk of developing skin cancer and skin pre-cancers.Sunscreen protects your skin and reduces your risk of developing skin cancer and skin pre-cancers. Applying SPF in conjunction with other sun protection behaviors - like wearing dark clothing and sunglasses - reduces the harmful effects of sun exposure. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation claims that applying sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 reduces your chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and your melanoma risk (the deadliest skin cancer) by 50%. 

2. Protect Against Sunburn

Did you know that sunlight actually consists of two types of harmful rays, UVA and UVB rays? UVA rays (also used in tanning booths) are mainly linked to long term skin damage like the formation of wrinkles, and are also associated with some skin cancers. It’s UVB rays, however, which are responsible for sunburn and are thought to cause most skin cancers. Not only are sunburns painful, they have a direct link to the most deadly types of cancer. According to Healthline: “Even a single sunburn can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer. This is because when the skin absorbs ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, it can damage the genetic material in skin cells.” Thankfully, sunscreen defends the skin against UV rays by absorbing, reflecting or scattering sunlight. 

3. Avoid Inflammation & Redness

Too much time in the sun will result in sunburn, severe skin reddening and inflammation of the skin. According to Medical News Today: “The ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the skin, which turns red as the body directs more blood to the affected area to repair the damage.” 

4. Prevent The Early Onset Of Wrinkles & Fine Lines 

When it comes to developing wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet, one of the most effective preventative formulas is sunscreen. Lengthy exposure to UVA rays prematurely ages your skin and results in the loss of collagen and skin elasticity. In fact, approximately up to 90% of visible signs of aging are caused by sun damage. By introducing SPF into your daily skin care routine, you’re warding off the early signs of aging with minimal effort.

5. Avoid Blotchy Skin & Hyperpigmentation 

Uneven skin pigmentation (or hyperpigmentation) refers to parts of the skin becoming discolored or darkening in an inconsistent way. This can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by sun exposure. Blotchy skin or dark spots may spring up on the face, hands and other parts of the body regularly exposed to the sun. 

The good news? There is a simple way to avoid dark spots (as well as sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer) - and the solution is wearing sunscreen rain or shine, not just in summer.

6. Stop DNA Damage

Scientific studies have found that sunlight induces DNA damage and can trigger skin carcinogenesis and photoaging. Studies state: “Many of the deleterious human health effects that result from sunlight exposure are associated with a chain of events that begins with the formation of DNA damage. These lesions can lead to inflammatory and immunosuppressive processes in the epithelial tissue as well as accelerated aging and tumor development.”

Clearly, sun exposure can have a profound effect and potentially cause premature skin aging, skin cancer, and many other skin changes. If you think you can avoid the sun’s rays in winter or by sitting in the office, you might be surprised to learn about these next situations when you should still wear SPF.