3 Reasons Sunscreen is Essential in Your Daily Skincare Routine

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A skincare routine is vital for everyone. Regularly caring for your skin can help you get smooth skin and ensure it stays beautiful and healthy long-term. But besides its role in maintaining healthy skin, it also improves self-confidence. When you have a clear complexion, you feel inspired to face the world, so to speak.

When following a skincare routine, you must ensure it suits your skin type. This way, you can get the desired results in the shortest time possible.

However, some general rules apply to all kinds of skin. These include cleansing and moisturizing – skincare routines that help hydrate your skin and make you look younger.

A must-have skincare product that you should have in your arsenal is sunscreen. Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen is not only for use before you go out swimming. Instead, sunscreen application is an essential step whether you’re staying indoors or outdoors.

Here are essential things you should know about sunscreen and how it can benefit your skin.

Types of Sunscreen

Your skin contains melanin, a pigment deep in the skin’s outer layers that protect our skin from UVA and UVB rays. However, melanin can only do so much in protecting your skin from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. That is why sunscreens are made – mainly for skin protection against UVA rays that cause premature skin aging and UVB rays that cause painful sunburns.

When you buy sunscreen, you’ll see the SPF (sun protection factor) level on its packaging ranging from 15 to 100+. The higher the SPF level, the longer the protection from the harmful UV rays.

Skincare experts also recommend wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 15, even on cloudy days. They also recommend reapplying the product every two hours for maximum sun protection.

There are two common types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical sunscreens. Both protect the skin from sun damage but use a different mechanism to filter UV rays.

1. Mineral sunscreens

This sunscreen sits on the skin’s surface and deflects UVA and UVB rays. Its active ingredients are zinc dioxide and titanium dioxide, or both. It has a white-ish tinge when applied to the skin, and reapplication is necessary since it easily gets rubbed, rinsed, or sweated off.

On a positive note, it has an immediate effect, so there is no waiting time before you can go out under the sun. It does not clog pores, which means it’s less likely to cause skin breakouts. Skin experts often do not recommend spray and powder forms of sunscreens because inhaling them can harm the lungs.

2. Chemical sunscreens

On the other hand, chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin’s deeper layers. They absorb UV rays, convert them to heat, and are then released from the skin. Unlike mineral sunscreens, chemical sunscreens have a waiting time after application because the skin needs to absorb them thoroughly to become effective. Reapplication is also necessary for maximum results.

This sunscreen may not be ideal for sensitive skin due to the sunscreen’s heat-releasing nature. Before using chemical sunscreens, double-check the ingredients-avoid ones with oxybenzone-or talk to a trusted dermatologist if you have skin issues.

Benefits of Using Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays, the leading cause of sunburns and other skin damage. It also helps prevent premature aging and wrinkles by blocking free radicals. Whether it is sunny or cloudy outside-or even if you’re staying indoors where the sun’s rays can bounce through glass windows-you must apply sunscreen as part of your daily skincare regimen.

Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outside. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed areas, including your face, neck, chest, and hands. Reapply every two or three hours for better results.

Here are the significant benefits of using sunscreen daily.

1. Prevents premature aging

Constant exposure to the sun with little to no sunscreen protection can lead to premature aging. Also known as “photoaging,” it can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration to appear on your skin. Fortunately, putting on sunscreen can prevent these skin problems. The healthier and well-protected your skin, the more you will have healthy and great skin.

2. Reduces the risk of sunburn

Sunscreen has a unique formulation to prevent and protect your skin from sunburn. Frequent sunburns can lead to skin problems, including premature aging, blisters, and skin cancer. Consult a trusted dermatologist so they can assess the extent of your sunburn and recommend products or treatments to minimize the pain and scarring.

3. Prevents other common skin problems

Besides fighting premature aging, skin discoloration, and skin cancer, sunscreen effectively combats the effects of frequent sun exposure like inflammation and skin redness. It could be more challenging for those with psoriasis, rosacea, and similar skin conditions, but applying sunscreen several times daily with at least SPF 30 can lower that risk.

Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen

Sunscreen helps protect your skin from the harsh effects of UV rays and common skin issues like premature aging, discoloration, and skin cancer. Mineral and chemical sunscreens can protect your skin, but mineral sunscreen can be a better option if you have sensitive skin.

You don’t need to wait for a beach holiday to buy and use sunscreen. Instead, it should be part of your regular skincare regimen for well-protected and healthier skin.