Get Smart About Your SPF
Most of us know the importance of wearing a good quality sunscreen in the summer months to prevent sunburns, but it really should become part of your daily routine and not just your poolside regimen. But why is sunscreen so important?
Sunscreen actually dates back to ancient Egypt, where rice bran extract and jasmine were used to help shield skin from the sun. Chemists invented the first commercial sunscreen in 1936, and it has been improved upon ever since. Modern sunscreens are water resistant, and are included in many cosmetics and beauty products, such as primers, foundations, serums, and creams.
To understand the importance of sunscreen on the most basic level: it protects your skin from the sun. The sun produces two different types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause damage to the skin:
Ultraviolet A (UVA) –– associated with premature aging of the skin
Ultraviolet B (UVB) –– associated with sunburns
Your skin’s outer layer is composed of cells that contain a pigment called melanin that helps to protect your skin from these damaging UV rays. However, melanin can only do so much; Sunscreen acts as a shield for your skin cells and protects your skin from damage - even on cloudy days. Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, so it’s important to slather on that SPF year round, even on overcast and winter days. Snow can actually reflect up to 80 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays, actually increasing your risk of exposure to sun damage!
For the vanity layer, skipping out on that SPF will cause photoaging of the skin which typically presents itself with a thick, leathery look, discoloration, and a breakdown of collagen which contributes to lines, sagging and wrinkles. Studies have shown that those below age 50 who regularly apply sunscreen have a 44% less chance of developing these signs of aging than those who don’t.
Spending time in the sun, regardless of your skin type, puts you at a higher risk for sun damage. When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words “broad spectrum” – this means your sunscreen will shield your skin against both UVA and UVB sun rays - and look for a minimum of SPF 15 and reapply about every 2 hours. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and the number refers to how long your skin will be protected from burning. For example, if you apply an SPF 30, your skin will be protected for 30 minutes longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.
But what happens if after learning all of this information, you still never wear sunscreen? The answer is pretty simple: you will be putting your skin at risk for painful sunburns, premature wrinkles, dark spots, and even skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. If you choose not to wear sunscreen and get sunburnt often, you will be doubling your risk for melanoma – a serious type of skin cancer.
Take care of your health and prioritize sun safety year round. There are so many options out there right now with sprays, lotions, clear apply, dry finish, non-comedogenic and more that there’s really no excuse for not finding one that works for you!