Many people know that they should wear sunscreen, but they don’t know that the benefits extend beyond preventing sunburns. There is a common misconception that darker-skinned people who have more melanin in their skin do not need to wear sunscreen, but it is important for all skin types to wear sunscreen. While lighter-skinned individuals are more vulnerable to sunburn, on the other hand, sun damage develops over a long period of time and can affect dark and lighter-skinned individuals the same. Below, we list some reasons why wearing sunscreen is important and why you should always wear it.
1. Sunscreen Decreases Your Chances of Developing Various Cancers
You should be wearing sunscreen daily, even when it is cloudy or rainy. It will decrease your risk of developing melanoma, which is a deadly form of cancer.
2. Keeps You Young
The primary cause of premature ageing is ultraviolet exposure. By regularly wearing sunscreen, you slow down the development of wrinkles.
3. Keep your Skin tone Even
In addition to keeping you looking young, sunscreen will also help prevent facial brown spots and skin discolouration.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
There are a number of sunscreens available to you. Here are a few kinds that you can choose from, depending on your skin type and sun exposure.
Spray: Spray sunscreens are convenient options for parents with children. It has a quick and easy application method but requires you to apply more frequently than its counterparts.
Water/Sweat-Resistant: While water-resistant and sweat-resistant sunscreens are not 100% waterproof, they are made to stay on the skin when water comes in contact with your skin. You should always reapply after two hours, or after excessive contact with water.
Stick: Stick sunscreens are great for spot applications for areas that are often forgotten about like your nose and ears. It is important to always apply sunscreen to these areas, as they are the most commonly affected by skin cancer.
Basic Guidelines For Sunscreen
- You should wear sunscreen every time you are going outside. Remember that snow and water reflect UV rays, which makes them harsher when they make contact with your skin.
- Dermatologists recommend choosing a sunscreen that is a broad spectrum (SPF 30 or higher). The SPF tells you the percentage of UV rays that it will block.
- You should apply approximately one ounce of sunscreen to all of the areas that will be exposed to the sun, and wait for 15-30 minutes before heading out.
- Don’t use old or expired sunscreen, and if your notice changes in its colour and/or consistency, you shouldn’t use it.
At Enriched Med Spa, let us help you take care of your skin. We offer a wide range of services that will have you feeling and looking your best. Contact us today to get started.
