Journal

Why Wearing Sunscreen is Important

- Why Wearing Sunscreen is Important

There’s nothing better than soaking up the sun on a beautiful day. However, it’s important to apply sunscreen beforehand. If sunscreen isn’t already a part of your daily skincare routine, it should be.

How to buy sunscreen

Finding the right sunscreen doesn’t have to be a challenge. When choosing a sunscreen, pay attention to the following facts:

  1. High SPF: It’s recommended using a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. A sun protection factor of less than 30 will not give you the sun protection you need.
  2. Broad-spectrum: The two most important things to look for on the label are ‘broad spectrum’, which indicates the sunscreen protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), and the SPF rating, which indicates how well it protects against UVB. 
  3. Chemical or physical: You can get your sun protection as either sunscreens or sunblock‘s. Each works differently. A chemical sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays into the tissue. When ultraviolet rays pass into the skin, they change the rays into a longer wavelength which is less harmful. Physical or mineral sunblock’s sit on the skin and reflect light away. 
  4. A comfortable formula: Sunscreens come in a variety of formulations—creams, gels, lotions. Some feel sticky or create a film on your skin and won’t be very comfortable for everyday wearing, so pick one that you’ll actually follow through with wearing regularly. 
  5. Water resistance: Even if you don’t plan to splash around in the water, reach for a water-resistant sunscreen—if you get sweaty, the water-resistance will keep you covered longer. 
  6. Antioxidants: The sun depletes your skin’s antioxidants. If you can replace these healthy molecules while protecting yourself from the sun’s rays, all the better. Take a look at MY BODHI’s Every Day Sun Shield moisturizer, an active facial moisturizer with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D and E, and zinc oxide.
  7. Lotions and creams: When you rub in cream sunscreens, it is easy to tell if you have covered your entire body. Spray sunscreens are convenient, but you often end up missing spots. You can also run the risk of inhaling chemicals. So better avoid the face or mouth.

Why do you need sunscreen 

Here are some reasons why applying sunscreen is so important: 

  1. Reduces the Risk of Sunburn: You can get sunburned if you spend a long time outdoors without sunscreen and using tanning beds or booths can also cause damage. 
  2. Prevents the Signs of Aging: Repeated sun exposure can cause damage to your elastin, collagen and skin cells. Premature skin aging, known as photoaging, is common among people who spend time in the sun without sunscreen – especially in their 20s and 30s. 
  3. Reduces Your Risk of Skin Cancer: Using a minimum of SPF 30 multiple times each day, even when it is cloudy, is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer. 
  4. Prevents Skin Discoloration: Areas of discoloration are often called “sun spots” or “liver spots”, are usually tan to brown in color and appear later in life. They often develop on the face, head, hands, and arms. 
  5. Reduces Inflammation: When our skin is exposed to UV rays it can cause painful redness and inflammation. This can be especially challenging for individuals with skin issues like psoriasis or rosacea. 

Importance of good skin care

Taking good care of your skin is important for more than just your appearance. As the largest organ you have, your skin is essential to your general health. If you take care of it, it can help take care of you. This is why it is so important to have a well-thought-out skin care routine. When it comes to skin care, there is no question that prevention is easier than fixing a problem. Doing things like wearing (natural) sunscreen for your face, using a good moisturizer for glowing skin and generally good body care products for women can prevent invasive treatments down the road. Neglect can result in many preventable problems. Having beautiful skin as you get older means making smart choices throughout your life. Bad skin care choices can have lifelong impacts. Even if your skin is glowing today, there’s no guarantee that it will be tomorrow if you don’t use the right natural beauty products.

Tips for applying sunscreen

Sunscreen can protect your skin against skin cancer and premature aging. However, it is not as effective unless it’s applied correctly.

  1. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors. It takes approximately 15 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen and protect you. If you wait until you are in the sun to apply sunscreen, your skin is unprotected and can burn.
  2. Use enough sunscreen. Most adults need about 1 ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover their body. Rub the sunscreen thoroughly into your skin.
  3. Apply sunscreen to all bare skin. Remember your neck, face, ears, tops of your feet and legs. For hard‐to‐reach areas like your back, ask someone to help you or use a spray sunscreen. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm with a SPF of at least 15.
  4. To remain protected when outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Your skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays every time you go outside. So, whether you are on vacation or taking a brisk fall walk in your neighbourhood, remember to use sunscreen.