Sunscreen is THE skincare essential for every age. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, whether you’re spending a day at the beach or just running errands around town. In fact, whenever our team is asked for the #1 product to use for anti-aging, sunscreen is always our answer. Read further to learn about some of the benefits of using sunscreen and why it should be a part of your daily skincare routine, including a work-from-home day that most likely exposes us to blue light.
Protects against skin cancer
Probably the most important reason to lather on sunscreen, sunscreen with broad spectrum protection has been proven to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Broad spectrum sunscreens, with SPF 30 or higher, are recommended to prevent harmful UVA and UVB rays from penetrating your skin. UVB rays, in particular, are responsible for most skin cancer. By using the appropriate sunscreen consistently, you’re reducing your risk of developing skin cancer.
Prevents premature aging
The UVA rays from the sun penetrate deeper than UVB. Typically, UVA rays are the culprit for premature aging due to damage to the skin’s elastin fibers and collagen. Broad-spectrum sunscreen daily blocks the absorption of these rays to these fundamentally important proteins in our skin, and can therefore delay the aging process, keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy.
Prevents skin discoloration
Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, a condition that produces skin discoloration and dark spots on the skin. Your skin is essentially producing melanin to protect itself from exposure to harmful rays. Sunscreen lotions are again the hero in this scenario. Daily use helps prevent the development of discoloration or dark spots caused by the sun, resulting in a more even skin tone.
Prevents sunburn
Sunburns are not only painful, but they can also cause long-term damage to your skin. Using sunscreen properly can help prevent sunburn, reducing the risk of further skin damage. It is important to note that the proper amount and the proper application interval is crucial to getting optimal protection from any sunscreen product. No sunscreen is 100% protective but proper usage can and does minimize the risk of any unwanted reactions to a day in the sun.
Keeps skin moisturized
UV rays can cause dryness and damage to the skin’s moisture barrier and microbiome, resulting in flaky and scaly skin. Using sunscreen regularly can help to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, reducing the appearance of dryness and any associated inflammation.
When should sunscreen be used?
Sunscreen is not just for summer. The sun’s harmful rays can penetrate the skin even on cloudy and overcast days. Staying indoors all day? Blue light from our computer and phone screens can also have an impact on our skin. In fact, blue light accounts for 10% of skin aging and can manifest in the following ways: melasma, freckles, actinic keratoses (precancerous spots), and texture change. Blue light is potentially harmful, but we receive a lot of it from TV and computer screens, LED lights, fluorescent lights, and electronic devices. With regards to the question of whether sunscreen can protect against blue light, it is recommended to go with a tinted SPF product. To protect against visible light, the sunscreen itself must be visible. Tinted sunscreens contain a formulation that includes ultraviolet filters such as titanium oxide and iron oxides.
Sunscreen is a must-have in your daily skincare routine. It helps protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. It also helps prevent premature aging, skin discoloration, and sunburns and keeps your skin hydrated. Use sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather or season, to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.
Eastside Skin Care and Laser Center offer medical-grade sunscreen products that come in both tinted and non-tinted formulas. We offer a variety of application options to choose from depending on your needs. We carry mineral and physical lotions and a mineral spray-on SPF which allows for hands-free application. Additionally, we sell an SPF stick, and a brush-on sunscreen which both work beautifully to take on the go or for easy reapplication. Call our friendly skin care team at 586-480-0480 to discuss the best sunscreen for your needs.
