Sunscreen? That greasy stuff no one likes to use because it gets all over their hands and phone screens? It can actually help? Well yes, yes it can! Your skin is the largest organ in your body, which means taking care of it is vital to your health. Not only does sunscreen protect against harmful UV rays, but it also helps protect you against pesky bacteria and germs.
Let’s go over five key benefits sunscreen can provide for you if used properly, which is like every day.
Prevent Skin Cancer
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer is to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Every. Single. Day. If you ask your doctor, a higher SPF would not only be the smarter option but better for you, too. Here’s when you should apply sunscreen:
- When you are outside in the sun for more than two hours
- After swimming or sweating
- After using a towel to dry off
The bottom line? Just use sunscreen!
Reduce Signs of Aging
I know what you’re thinking. Reduced fine lines and wrinkles due to sun exposure, just using sunscreen? Sign me up!
That’s right, the sun can damage your skin and accelerate the aging of your skin. It can cause collagen damage, leaving you with less “bounce” and more wrinkles. If you want to prevent further aging, be sure to apply sunscreen to your face and body every day.
Avoid Sunburns
Too much sun exposure without protection can burn your skin, which is painful, annoying, and can take several days to heal, especially if your skin peels. Ew! Avoid sunburns and wear sunscreen every day, even on those cool, cloudy days!
Yes, tanning is nice, improves self-confidence, mood, and more. However, it can still be done using sunscreen. A lot of people use the excuse of tanning as a reason to not apply sunscreen at the beach and just wait too long to finally decide to use it, but tanning works all the same, even with sunscreen!
Limit the Appearance of Sunspots
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can also cause Sunspots or “age spots”, which increases the look of aging as well. There’s that word again, “aging”.
Sunspots are caused by hyperpigmentation and are typically flat, discolorations on the skin that can be different shades of brown. These pesky spots can appear on the following areas of the body:
- Face
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Back
- Back of hands
Prevent Broken Blood Vessels
Broken blood vessels can give your skin a bruising or bleeding appearance; UV rays can damage blood vessels and cause them to thin. Let’s prevent the need for excessive makeup to cover up the bruising appearance from sun damage; sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!
Without sunscreen, your skin is vulnerable to a variety of different issues. Yes, your skin’s purpose is to protect your body, but you must protect it as well!
