Importance of Sunscreen

It’s that time of year! And if you’re anything like me, I bet you can’t wait to soak up some vitamin D and enjoy the warmth of the sun shining down on your skin!

But wait, before you go, there’s one thing you cannot leave the house without and that is SUNSCREEN!

Sunscreen protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays which are responsible for sunburn and skin cancer. Studies have shown that daily use of sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and lower your risk of developing melanoma by 50%. It also has benefits against premature skin aging caused by the sun such as sagging skin, age spots and wrinkles.

There’s a stigma that only lighter skinned individuals need sunscreen, but the truth is everyone needs sunscreen! Regardless of your skin color, age, gender and whether you tan easily or not.

When purchasing sunscreen, there is a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating on every bottle which represents a sunscreen’s ability to protect your skin against a specific portion of UV rays. It is recommended that you use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for everyday use. However, if you’re planning on spending the day outside, it’s recommended to pick a sunscreen with a SPF of 60 or higher.

How much sunscreen is enough?

If applying to your face and neck, ½ a teaspoon should be sufficient.

If applying to your face, neck, arms and legs, 1 ounce of sunscreen is needed which is roughly the size of your palms.

Does sunscreen need to be reapplied?

It is recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when swimming, if you’re sweating a lot or outdoors for extended periods of time.

Are there different types of sunscreens?

Sunscreens can be divided into mineral and chemical depending on their active ingredients.

Mineral sunscreen: consists of the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They work by blocking and scattering sun rays like a shield before they penetrate your skin.

Chemical sunscreen: consist of avobenzone and octisalate. They work by absorbing UV rays before they damage your skin.

It is important to get into a habit of using sunscreen daily because even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can reach earth. Sunscreen is just one element that can protect you from UV rays, so other recommendations include wearing wide brimmed hats or caps, UV blocking sunglasses and sun-safe clothing during the hot months to ensure a safe-safe summer while also having lots of fun! Happy Sunshine!