Here at Envision Acne and Skincare Center, we’re always advising our clients as to why it’s so important to protect your skin against the sun on a daily basis no matter what the weather is like.
Every year as the summer comes to an end, we begin to see a dramatic decline in the use of sunscreen, which played a significant role in our skincare routines throughout the summer months.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, everyone should be using sunscreen. With one in five Americans estimated to potentially develop skin cancer in their lifetime, the incorporation of SPF into your daily beauty routine has never been more important.
And this is a beauty rule that needs be followed even if you work indoors. The reason is UVA rays have the ability to penetrate through windows, they will slow down the skin’s natural healing process and accelerate aging and dark spots.
Let’s look at 5 reasons why sunscreen should be a permanent feature in your lifestyle.
The top 5 benefits of wearing sunscreen every day
1.) Protects Against Skin Cancer
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are more new cases of skin cancer each year than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. This makes the daily application of sunscreen vital in order to protect your skin against harmful UV rays.
Broad-spectrum sunscreens such as our PoreInfusion Clear Shield Waterproof SPF50 Sunscreen, are always a good idea to keep with you at all times, as it offers broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also important to keep in mind that skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, so being proactive in how you look after your skin on a daily basis will be essential when it comes to prevention.
2.) Maintain A Youthful And Glowing Complexion
When exposed to long periods in the sun, our skin becomes more susceptible to premature aging, intracellular damage and dehydration. But it’s not just the sun that can cause damage. Did you know that up to 80% of UVB rays can still reach our skin even when the weather is overcast and cloudy? If you want to keep those wrinkles at bay, and minimize the appearance of dark marks and scarring, then making your sunscreen your new BFF is non-negotiable. We advise of wearing at least an SPF 30 or above.
3.) Keep Your Acne Under Control
It’s a fact that prolonged exposure to the sun can make your acne worse. Many people think that spending time outdoors with their skin exposed to the sun helps to reduce their pimples, but that’s a myth. What’s often perceived as an improvement is often the result of the UV rays drying up excess oil on the skin’s surface and temporarily concealing acne scarring as a tan develops.
These results won’t last long and, over time, the skin will become prone to dryness and sensitivity. Applying light sunscreen suitable for acne prone skin, which contains ingredients such as; zinc oxide , eucalyptus (which acts as an anti-inflammatory) and ginger (to help protect against free radical damage), followed by acne safe makeup (which allows the skin to breathe) will help to keep your acne under control. Regular trips to a professional licensed aesthetician – acne specialist will also help to maintain clear skin, with long lasting results.
4.) Makes A Great Addition To Your Makeup Kit
With the continual improvement in the development of sunscreen over the last couple of years, there really are no excuses not to include SPF protection as an item in your makeup. Gone are the days when you’d be left with unsightly white streaks on your face and tears streaming down your eyes after application. Advances in technology have made sunscreen light, multi-functional and suitable for all skin types. Not only do they offer broad spectrum protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, but certain sunscreens also contain hydrating ingredients, such as Hyaluronic Acid, which is known to retain moisture and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making them the perfect addition to your skincare program.
5.) Prevent Sunburn With The Daily Application of SPF
Sunburn is something that we all tend to experience at least once or twice in our life, however, continued exposure to the sun and blistering of the skin will significantly increase our risk of melanoma (one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer). This is why it’s important to do everything you can to prevent your skin from becoming damaged by the sun. If you do experience sunburn and begin to feel sick, you should seek medical advice immediately.
How often should I apply sunscreen
Applying sunscreen once in the morning each day by covering your whole face and neck area should be enough to provide protection for the day.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that we should be applying approximately 1oz of sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure. That’s the equivalent of half a shot glass, which should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or doing activities which will make you sweat excessively.
While sunscreen undoubtedly benefits your skin’s health, it’s important to remember that there are other things you can do to protect your skin from damaging UV rays:
- Wear protective clothing and wide brimmed hats.
- Purchase sunglasses with UV protective filters.
- Keep your body hydrated.
- Stay in the shade when the sun is at it’s strongest between the hours of 10am in the morning and 4pm in the afternoon.
Recommended daily guidelines state that, on average, we should not expose our bodies to more than 30 minutes a day of direct sunlight in order to obtain sufficient levels of Vitamin D, which can be obtained through supplements if necessary.
As with any skincare routine, consistency is key and it’s important to stick to your new habits in order to see long lasting effects.
