Benefits of using Sunscreen – when you should use it

Everyone knows that sunscreen is an important part of your skincare routine. Even if you choose not to use any other product, sunscreen is a daily necessity. Aside from protecting you against sun damage and skin cancer, it can also prevent early ageing and wrinkles from appearing. While most people believe sunscreen should only be worn when it is sunny, or when you are spending a long time outdoors, the truth is, it should be applied every day. Although it may seem like a little too much, it will pay off in the long run. This article will explain what are the benefits of using sunscreen, especially those with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) (like SPF 50) and when you should use them. Take a look at the information below.

Prevents sunburn

This is one of the main reasons why it is important to use sunscreen regularly. After all, it’s not comfortable having itchy, peeling skin while looking like a cooked lobster, right? The sun’s ultraviolet light (made up of harmful rays such as UVA and UVB) can damage the skin long term. For example, UVA rays (which are often used in tanning booths) are linked to wrinkling formation and some skin cancers. While UVBs, which are responsible for the aforeskimentioned sunburn, are also linked to most types of skin cancers. In fact, the more you get sunburnt, the higher the chance of you getting skin cancer. Talk about being uncomfortable and dangerous! Fortunately, sunscreen can help you to defend yourself from the sun’s UV rays – either by absorbing or scattering the light.

Reduces chances of skin cancer

The more time you spend out in the sun, the higher the risk of you developing skin cancer or pre-cancer. These skin cancers can include Melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Most health experts recommend you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, though higher is always better – that means you are more likely to be protected from UV radiation. According to statistics, applying sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 equates to reducing your chance of developing SCC by 40% and Melanoma by 50%. Aside from sunscreen, you can also protect yourself by wearing wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved and dark clothes, as well as sunglasses.

Prevents ageing and sunspots

If you want your skin to look soft and supple no matter what, it’s best to use sunscreen in conjunction with moisturizers. Sunscreens are in fact one of the best preventative measures for decreasing the number of wrinkles, crow’s feet, and fine lines you have. This is because exposing yourself to UV rays for a long time leads to damage to collagen and skin elasticity. Data has shown that up to 90% of visible signs of ageing are a result of sun damage. These UV rays can also cause sunspots (otherwise known as ‘age spots’) which are different areas of the skin that are discoloured (usually in darker shades of brown). If you want to avoid this, using sunscreen regularly can ward off the early signs of ageing. Moreover, you can get moisturizers with SPF protection, so you get a two-for-one deal!

When do you need to wear sunscreen:

So, we have talked about the myriad of benefits that wearing sunscreen can bring to you. But when should you wear it, and how often? Most people tend to only put on sunscreen once, usually at the start of the day. But are there any tips that you can use to optimise your protection?

Surprisingly, experts advise that people should wear sunscreen every day. No matter if it appears to be rainy, or cloudy, or if you are just staying indoors – it doesn’t matter. Sunscreen should be frequently applied. That being said, here are four scenarios you should consider when it comes to sun protection.

 Indoors: You might think that you would be protected from UV light when staying or working indoors all day, and you would be right, for the most part. So long as your area has no large windows, you should be fine. However, because most places tend to have large window glass (especially offices), UV light can still reach you through this opening. So even if you’re indoors, if your seat is near a window and shining light towards you, you would still be receiving the same amount of UV rays as you would be standing outside.

Cloudy Days: Even though it is cloudy and the sun is not out, the Skin Cancer Foundation states that up to 80% of the sun’s UV radiation can still reach Earth. This means that going outside without some form of sun protection is still a huge issue! Going unprotected will most likely lead to skin damage even on overcast days, so why take the risk? Just apply your sunscreen before heading out the door and it should be fine!

In Winter: In case you didn’t know, the Earth’s ozone layer is in charge of absorbing and blocking the intense radiation from the sun. However, when it comes to wintertime, the ozone layer will become slightly thinner. Ironically, this means it cannot protect the Earth against the sun’s rays as well. Additionally, winter’s harsh weather (such as its strong winds and snow) can help wear away sunscreen faster. Therefore, you must apply sunscreen to vulnerable parts like your ears, neck and face, and re-apply them often throughout the day.

At high altitudes: If you’re the type of adrenaline junkie who loves hiking (or you just live in a high-altitude area), then sunscreen will be your best friend. Since you are nearer to the sun (physically speaking), you are at a higher risk for skin damage since the sun’s exposure is a lot more intense on mountaintops. The snow on high mountains can also reflect light on you, meaning that you get double the intensity! There is also less atmosphere the higher you climb, meaning less protection as well. Therefore, choosing the right kind of sunscreen is vital – even if you are trekking in the winter! It is suggested mountaineers get a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.