By Nithya Shrikant
Come summer and we all rush to the nearest cosmetic or medical store to grab that bottle of sunscreen lotion, don’t we? However, applying sunscreen should never be restricted to summer alone. Summer or winter, monsoon or spring, the need for shielding your skin from the harsh rays of the sun is essential. And, sunscreen does that job for you.
Why You Should Wear Sunscreen?
Let us have a look at the top 11 interesting reasons on why you should wear sunscreen throughout the year:
1. Shields From Harmful UV Rays:
The continuously depleting ozone layer has put us at a higher risk of getting affected from the harmful rays of the sun. While you do need the sun for your daily dose of Vitamin D, it does not imply that you should put your health at risk! Applying sunscreen actually blocks these harmful rays from penetrating the skin and triggering skin disorders.
2. Prevents Premature Aging:
All of us love to have younger looking, radiant, and healthy skin. And, this is one of the most convincing reasons to start using sunscreen. it shields your skin from the developing signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Studies reveal that people below the age of 55 who used sunscreen had 24% less chances of developing these aging signs than non-sunscreen and occasional sunscreen users.
3. Lowers Skin Cancer Risks:
While I started using sunscreen mainly for beauty reasons, this health benefit came as an advantage. Wear your sunscreen daily and over the days and months to shield your skin from the risk of various types of skin cancer, especially, melanoma. This is the worst type of skin cancers, which can be life threatening for women, particularly those who are in their 20s.
4. Lowers Blotchiness on Face:
Apply sunscreen liberally on your face to prevent the onset of that irritating blotchiness and eruptions of red veins. This is also essential to prevent the onset of acne and other sun rays- induced damages.
5. Prevents Sunburns:
Sunburns weaken your skin, subjecting it more to bruises. Your skin may suffer repeated attacks of peeling, swelling, redness, hives, and itching. And, this comes from the influence of UVB rays. The blisters can escalate the risk of skin cancer. A study published in ‘Annals of Epidemiology’ in August 2008 suggested that recurring occurrences of sunburns could actually put you at a higher risk of lethal melanoma. So, apply sunscreen and stay safe.
6. Prevents Tanning:
Tan is healthy – this concept still persists. However, what you should be aware is that while you are sunbathing to tan, you are at the risk of being harmed by the harsh ultraviolet B rays. Choose a sunscreen that has a minimum of sun protection factor 30 to prevent tanning induced by UVB. And, make sure you reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you have a sensitive skin. Or, just after your exercise, as sweat could wash away the protective coating.
7. Enhances Health of the Skin:
The essential skin proteins, such as collagen, keratin, and elastin are protected by sunscreen. These proteins are required for keeping the skin smooth and healthy. Make sure your sun block has titanium oxide in it for endowing these benefits to the skin.
8. A Good Cosmetic Option:
Now-a- days, you get sunscreens that also doubles up as a cream. Just apply it and leave on. I use a 9 to 5 sunscreen and nothing else when I go out in the sun. I look fresh and my skin rocks.
If you have a dry skin or sensitive skin, make sure you reapply a coating every now and then for better safety of your skin.
