Sunscreen Awareness Day: Vital to Your Skin Care Routine

Happy Sunscreen Awareness Day! Our skin is our body's first line of defense against environmental factors such as UV radiation, which can cause a range of skin issues, including sunburns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Protecting the skin from the sun is an essential aspect of any skin care routine.

Recent studies have shown that regular sunscreen use may have long-term benefits for your skin's health. Those who use sunscreen daily have aged about 25% less than who don’t. Sun damage is the leading cause of premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.

The UV rays, which can cause sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer, are divided into two categories: UVA and UVB. UVA is responsible for premature aging, while UVB causes sunburns. Sunscreens are specifically formulated to absorb or reflect both types of UV radiation, providing broad-spectrum protection.Choosing the right sunscreen can be overwhelming, given the variety of options in the market. Always check the ingredients and make sure the product is free from harmful chemicals.

The following ingredients are recommended for optimum protection in sunscreen:

1. Zinc oxide

2. Titanium dioxide

3. Avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789)

4. Mexoryl SX and XL (also known as ecamsule)

5. Tinosorb S and M

6. Oxybenzone (although it has been linked to coral reef damage and is banned in some areas)

It is best to look for a sunscreen that contains a combination of these ingredients for broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, it’s important to choose one with a high SPF (at least 30) to ensure adequate protection.

The most crucial factor to consider is the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which measures the amount of UVB radiation that the sunscreen can block. It’s important to note that the higher SPF doesn't necessarily mean better protection. An SPF of 30 or higher is considered adequate, as it blocks 97% of UVB radiation.Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outside and should be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

In addition to sunscreen, layering protection safeguards our skin against the sun’s harmful rays. Staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing such as hats and long sleeves, wearing sunglasses to prevent squinting, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours of UV radiation (10 am to 4 pm) are all effective ways to minimize the risk of sun damage.Some people aren’t sunscreen believers. Here are a few common objections to sun protection, all of which are easily addressed:

 

1. "It's too much effort to apply sunscreen every day."

 

While it's true that applying sunscreen can be a hassle, it's a small price to pay for healthy skin. Nowadays, many moisturizers and foundations come with SPF protection built-in, so it's easier than ever to protect your skin from the sun without even thinking about it.

 

2. "I don't like the way sunscreen feels on my skin."

 

Many people avoid sunscreen because they don't like the way it feels on their skin. However, there are many different types of sunscreen available, including lightweight, non-greasy formulas that won't leave you feeling sticky or uncomfortable.

 

3. "I only need to wear sunscreen when I'm at the beach or pool."

 

Sun protection is important all year round, not just during the summer months. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still damage your skin, so make sure to wear sunscreen every day.

 

4. "I never burn, so I don't need to worry about sun protection."

 

While it's true that some people are more prone to sunburn than others, everyone is at risk of sun damage. Even if you don't burn easily, prolonged sun exposure can still cause damage to your skin over time.

 

5. "I don't need sunscreen because I have darker skin."

 

Yes, it's true that darker skin has more natural protection against the sun, but it's still important to wear sunscreen. Darker skin is still at risk of sun damage, and wearing sunscreen can help prevent premature aging and other skin issues.

After spending a day in the sun, your skin can become irritated, inflamed and dehydrated. To keep the skin healthy and avoid the negative effects of the sun, it’s important to follow a proper after sun care routine.

After, cleanse your skin using gentle products specifically designed for after sun use. This will help soothe and cool any irritated skin, removing any dirt, sweat and sunscreen residue. RxESCUESKIN's brand new cleansing gel is incredible! It has green tea extract and soothing elements, such as aloe vera.

It’s important to hydrate your skin by applying a moisturizer that contains soothing and nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E and chamomile. RxESCUESKIN's serum and moisturizer are perfect for any post-sun care. 

As we age, we all want to look our best. However, the natural aging process of our skin can be accelerated by sun exposure. Start incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine to protect your skin and enjoy glowing, beautiful skin for years to come.