Shielding Your Skin During Summer
On social media, we are constantly exposed to a plethora of trendy skincare, which can seem overwhelming and pointless. It's vital to remember that sunscreen is not just another futile and expensive skincare product; it's a crucial defense against the dangerous effects of UV rays. Sunscreen should be a key part of your daily routine not just for preserving your skin's youthful appearance but also for skin cancer prevention.
Sunscreen and UV Rays
The sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays that damage our skin’s barrier: UVA and UVB. UVA rays go deep into the skin, which leads to premature aging, and the addition of UVB rays is responsible for sunburns and plays a role in the development of skin cancer. Using sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection shields your skin from both types of rays, reducing simultaneously the risk of sunburn and skin cancer [1].
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer numbers are rapidly rising globally[2], making the prioritize sun protection more crucial than ever. Regular use of sunscreen significantly lowers the risk of developing skin cancer, which can be life-threatening. By applying sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor), you protect yourself against harmful UV radiation, minimizing the chances of obtaining skin cell damage and the development of skin cancer.
Preserving Youth
Sunscreen acts not only as a safety feature but also as an anti-aging tool. Sun exposure plays a crucial role in premature aging, causing wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and sagging skin. By consistently wearing sunscreen, you shield your skin from the damaging effects of the sun, maintaining a more youthful appearance over time.
Dr. Fayne Frey (author of the book The Skincare Hoax) stated that:
Almost 80% of the skin changes we associate with age are caused by the sun‘s UV rays [3].
Similarly, Dr. Henry Lim, a former president of the American Academy of Dermatology, described that:
Sunscreen has the power to reverse the appearance of aging; your skin‘s fibroblast will maintain its ability to produce collagen when a person starts using sunscreen early and consistently enough. The appearance of wrinkles could be diminished over time simply by applying sunscreen [4].
The need for constant protection
Even though we associate sunscreen with sunny, hot places (the beach), shielding the skin holds the utmost importance far beyond the holidays. UV rays are always present, even when it's cloudy. The sun's harmful forces are still active, potentially damaging your skin even if you're not under direct sunlight. Adding sunscreen to your daily skincare routine ensures comprehensive protection, regardless of the weather, location, or daily activities. Sunscreen should never be an afterthought; it is a necessity for ensuring healthy skin. By incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, you protect against harmful UV rays, reduce the risk of skin cancer, preserving a youthful, radiant, and healthy complexion.
Reference List:
University of Iowa (2016). What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays? [online] University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Available at: https://uihc.org/health-topics/what-difference-between-uva-and-uvb-rays [Accessed 24 May 2024].
Brighton and Sussex Medical School (2021). Rates of skin cancer have increased dramatically over recent decades. [online] www.bsms.ac.uk. Available at: https://www.bsms.ac.uk/search/results.aspx?search_keywords=recent [Accessed 23 May 2024].
Frey, F.L. and Salber, P. (2022). The Skincare Hoax: How You’re Being Tricked into Buying Lotions, Potions & Wrinkle Cream. New York: Skyhorse.
Smith, D.G. (2023). Why Sunscreen Is the Only Anti-Aging Product You Need. The New York Times. [online] 15 Jul. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/15/well/live/sunscreen-aging-skin-care.html [Accessed 24 May 2024].
Written by: Alice D.
Moderated by: Joanna
