What does a good sunscreen do besides protect us from the sun’s damage and reduce our risk of sunburn and skin cancer? Sunscreen works immediately upon application, and it can help prevent wrinkles and premature aging. Most of us know that we need to apply sunscreen before we go out on the beach. But if you want to maintain a healthy and radiant complexion, you also need to use sunscreen daily. Here are six health benefits of using sunscreen:
1. Protects from painful sunburn
The sun’s rays consist of both UVA and UVB rays, and both are harmful to your body. UVA rays are linked to wrinkles and skin cancers. They are often found in tanning booths. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn. Aside from being painful, sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer. The damage caused by UV radiation can affect the genetic material in the skin cells, which is why it’s important to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays. A good sunscreen can help prevent the skin from absorbing and scattering sunlight.
2. Reduces the risk of developing skin cancer
As already mentioned, applying a good sunscreen can help protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation and minimize your chances of getting skin cancer. It can also help prevent premature sun spots, abnormal moles, and skin pre-cancers. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 can reduce one’s chances of getting skin cancer by about 40%.
3. Avoid broken blood vessels
The damage caused by ultraviolet radiation can also thin out the skin’s superficial blood vessels, which can lead to the appearance of bleeding and bruising. Broken and dilated blood vessels can then be seen through the overlying skin layer. Protection from UV radiation is provided by wearing a sunscreen that has a protective effect by shielding the skin’s blood vessels from damage. It can also dilate the blood vessels to help prevent damage.
4. Prevents premature aging
One of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging is by using sunscreen. The damaging effects of UV rays can cause the skin to lose its elasticity and collagen, and develop sunspots, and this is why it’s important to apply an SPF daily. Aside from protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, a good SPF can also help keep it looking young and healthy.
5. Protects keratin and collagen
Some of the ingredients found in sunscreen include vitamin C, as well as oils such as jojoba and rosehip. These ingredients can help protect the skin’s vital proteins, such as collagen and keratin, which promote and protect new connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons and also renew growth of skin, hair, and nails. Adding natural ingredients to your skincare routine can also help protect your skin from environmental pollution. By blending a few drops of sunscreen with your moisturizer, you can easily add a bit of extra protection to your skincare routine.
6. Prevents inflammation
When our skin gets exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation regularly, it can cause inflammation, acne, and painful redness. Applying sunscreen each day before you leave the house can help prevent this from happening, especially for people with skin conditions such as rosacea or psoriasis. If you are prone to redness, choose a product that has gentle ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. On the other hand, spray-on sunscreen can dry out the skin and contain alcohol, which can cause premature skin aging.
