It’s that time of year! Since summer is upon us, we thought it would be a great idea to talk about sunscreen. We have learned throughout the years that sunscreen is instrumental in blocking harmful UV rays that can damage the skin and lead to sunburns and skin cancer.
However, have you ever considered that the application of sunscreen also protects the skin from aging?
Undoubtedly, we have proven its benefits as we see the difference in our skin tone when applied and we head into the sun as opposed to when we decide not to apply it.
Understanding the Nature of Sunscreen
Sunscreen is described as a substance that is most times creamy in nature that is applied to the skin to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays.
When sunscreen is applied to the skin, the protection barrier blocks the damage that can lead to collagen breakdown, which is how the formation of wrinkles begins.
Sunscreen actually delays the entire aging process, which also includes age spots and the elasticity naturally found in the skin, which keeps the youthful glow.
The key to receiving these incredible benefits is applying it to the skin daily, even where there is no visual appearance of the sun.
Skin that is damaged by the sun is often referred to as photodamage. Sun protection factor (SPF) is what is actively present in sunscreen. The higher the SPF is, the better protection coverage extended to safeguard your skin from aging.
How does SPF protect your skin?
So how does SPF protect your skin? The number after SPF is very important. It really is sunburn protection factor. The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin when used properly, compared to if you didn’t have any sunscreen. For example, if used properly, SPF 30 would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t using any sunscreen. Sounds simple enough.
Therefore, ensure to select SPF 30 the least to give yourself a good chance at receiving protection. (The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity)
Other critical characteristics of aging skin include:
- Dryness or roughness of skin.
- Hyperpigmentation.
- Decreased volume leads to saggy skin.
Final Thoughts
Without SPF protection, skin ages faster in a more detrimental manner, affecting your overall skin appearance. Make sure you lather up!