Why do you need to apply sunscreen daily?

One of the things that we are taking for granted is our skin. The most damaging factor for our skin is the ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun’s rays. Did you know that the sun’s rays can cause DNA changes that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging? Using sunscreen could save you from all the skin diseases brought by the sun’s rays.

You should use sunscreen every day. Not just when you go swimming. No matter where you live or what color your skin is, sunscreen can protect you from sun damage. Even if it is cloudy outside or you spend your time indoors, UV radiation can still harm you. To motivate you to protect your skin, here are some things you need to know about the importance of sunscreen.

Why do you need sunscreen?

Sunscreen’s ingredients protect you from different UV rays. It helps your skin absorb less radiation.

It protects you from UV rays.

Did you know that about 80 percent of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds? Sunscreen protects and blocks you from these rays. It helps you prevent sunburn and other skin diseases caused by the sun. Recommended Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is more than 15. If you spend most of your day outside, choose more than 50 SPF.

It lowers the risk for skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.

UV rays from the sun can cause photoaging. Photoaging is the damage that the sun rays can cause to your skin. Symptoms are discoloration, lines, sagging, and wrinkles. Also, photoaging can lead to skin cancer.

Additionally, although the Philippines is one of the least susceptible countries to skin cancer, there are still approximately 1 out of 50 Filipinos who were diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lifetime.

Sunscreen can lower your risk of these skin problems and helps your skin be healthy.

It maintains even skin tone.

As sunscreen can help you block the sun’s damaging rays, it also helps you prevent discoloration and dark spots. By doing these, sunscreen can help you maintain an even skin tone.

How to apply sunscreen correctly?

First, choose a sunscreen with enough SPF. SPF number tells you how long it would take for UV rays to redden your skin if you used that sunscreen. For example, if you used an SPF 50 as directed, it would take 50 times longer to burn than if you did not use any sunscreen. Also, higher SPF blocks more rays. But make sure to not use too much or too high SPF.

Second, apply it 15 minutes or 30 minutes before going outside. By doing this, you can help your skin take time to absorb the sunscreen.

Next, make sure you put it on your exposed skin like the neck, arms, legs, face, lips, and ears. Apply an ounce of sunscreen. If you want full protection, you may apply it to your whole body.

Finally, it is recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming and sweating.

Remember everyone needs sun exposure for vitamin D, but unprotected exposure can damage your skin. So, do not forget to apply sunscreen daily, even during the rainy season.

UV rays can also damage your eyes so do not forget that sunglasses with UV rays protection. Also, do not forget your umbrella and hats if you will spend some time under the sun!