Why You NEED to Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Sunscreen. Is. A. Must. You already know it. So that’s it, bye everyone.
But why?
Our ancestors never wore sunscreen?
Why should I wear sunscreen indoors?
What SPF sunscreen should I use?
Why should I reapply sunscreen?
If you need the answers to these questions and many others, then you should continue reading. Let’s get you a PhD in sunscreen!
Decoding commonly used terms
What is SPF?
Used interchangeably with sunscreen quite often, SPF is actually, Sun Protection Factor. It is a measure that tells you how much your sunscreen can shield your skin against the harmful rays of the sun. Higher the SPF value, lesser the UV rays will pass through. Let’s do some math. It will take 50 times longer for the UV rays to reach your skin if your sunscreen is SPF 50. 40 times longer for SPF 40, and 30 times longer for SPF 30. You get the drill.
UVA & UVB rays
Sunscreen protects you against UV rays, but what are these? Ultraviolet rays are a form of electromagnetic energy that is emitted from the sun, as well as lasers and white screens.
UVA rays make you age faster, as they can destroy collagen and elastin in the skin. They can even penetrate glass, which is why you must wear sunscreen even when you are indoors. UVB rays attack the skin’s topmost layer, and are held responsible for tanning, discolouration and cancer.
Opt for a sunscreen that reads ‘broad-spectrum,’ which provides protection against UVA as well as UVB rays. Our Bravocado SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Gel is a lightweight gel that has UVA and UVB filters, and contains a soothing blend of ingredients that brighten and offer pollution protection.
What happens if you don’t apply sunscreen every day?
If there is frequent and prolonged exposure to sun without sunscreen, you will be at the receiving end of these > sunburn, tanning, age spots, hyperpigmentation, early signs of ageing, and skin cancer.
How much sunscreen should you apply?
Ideally, it is 3 fingers for the face and about a coin-size amount for the rest of the body.
When should you apply sunscreen?
All 356 days, irrespective of the weather outside. Sunny? Wear sunscreen. Rainy? Wear sunscreen. Cloudy? Wear it. This is because even if the sun’s rays are not visible to us, the UV rays are still cutting through and damaging our skin.
If you’re at work all day, the white lights from your laptops also emit harmful rays. So, there is really no exception.
Apply your sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine and 20 minutes before stepping out. Also, it will need reapplication after every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. If you’re indoors throughout the day, you may skip.
What is the difference between a physical and chemical sunscreen?
Yep. There are two types of sunscreen. The physical ones form an opaque layer on the skin to block the rays from penetrating. Chemical ones absorb the rays and convert them into another type of energy, thereby protecting the skin. People with normal to dry skin can opt for physical ones, while those with oily and combination skin can benefit from chemical sunscreens.
Why did our ancestors not wear sunscreen but their skin was healthy?
The gap in the ozone layer is increasing day by day. This allows more harmful rays to reach us. At the time of our grand-parents, this gap was next to negligible, which is why they got a free pass from wearing sunscreen. Also, sunscreen wasn’t a thing back then. Today, it is imperative that you wear it all day. It’s non-negotiable.
What are the benefits of wearing sunscreen?
Along with protecting our skin from harmful rays, there is a lot more than sunscreens have to offer.
1. Prevents premature ageing
The prime reason to wear sunscreen is to delay signs of ageing. Fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, pigmentation, and photo damage – everything will be at an arm's distance. Our Bravocado SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Gel has vitamin E, rice water, avocado and pomegranate that are all antioxidant-rich. These enhance skin texture, protect skin from oxidative damage, and boost radiance too.
2. Keeps tanning in check
India being such a hot and humid nation, tan lines are inevitable. Although a tan never hurts anyone, it often makes the skin look blotchy and dull. Wearing sunscreen will prevent your skin from developing this unwanted tan.
3. Enhances skin health
UV rays deteriorate the level of collagen and elastin in the skin. These proteins are vital to keep skin firm, healthy and younger-looking. Using sunscreen will prevent their depletion and maintain your skin’s overall health.
4. Reduces the chances of skin cancer
Wearing sunscreen religiously is shown to prevent certain types of skin cancers. Although there is more research being conducted, the evidence that we have today, clearly suggests that sunscreen is a great barrier when it comes to skin cancers.
We’re sure that you don’t need more convincing to wear sunscreen, right?
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