Six Reasons to Slather on Sunscreen

Sunscreen is your skin’s best friend.

Any dermatologist will tell you the first step to keeping your skin healthy and looking fresh is by adding sunscreen into your daily routine. The sun emits natural energy that contains UV radiation. The UV rays A and B have both been found to contribute to the risk of skin cancer but on the electromagnetic spectrum, these rays’ wavelengths are much shorter than visible light — meaning we can’t see them. Every day you should wear sunscreen, no matter your skin color, type or age. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, here are our top six reasons to apply sunscreen each day.

1. Sunscreen protects your skin no matter what color

It’s a myth that people with darker complexions don’t need to worry about sun protection. In fact, having a darker complexion could make it harder to detect sun damage. A good coat of SPF will benefit anyone!

2. Sunscreen protects your skin even on cloudy days

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 80 percent of UV rays are able to get through clouds, meaning they are still causing damage even when the sun isn’t out.

3. Sunscreen protects you skin from fluorescent lighting

Recently, studies that found UV rays were emitted from fluorescent light bulbs caused quite the uproar in the media. The fact is that fluorescent light bulbs use mercury vapor, which emits UV rays when combined with an electric current. But that UV is absorbed by a layer of phosphors inside the bulb and then comes out at safe white light. The only problem is if that bulb’s phosphor coating cracks and allows UV light to escape, and according to researchers those kinds of defects are common. So, sunscreen is a safe bet when sitting under fluorescent lights.

4. Sunscreen evens out your complexion

UVA and UVB rays damage the skin, leaving a blotchy and uneven skin tone. But using SPF daily in your skin care routine can prevent these side effects from the sun and leave your skin more even and healthier looking.

5. Sunscreen helps protect you from UV rays coming in through windows

If you’re in a car, in the office, or just sitting at home, you are probably a big fan of the light that comes in through your window brightening everything up. However, UV rays are able to make their way through those windows to you. So, having a good SPF on hand is ideal for blocking out the rays.

6. Sunscreen prevents premature aging

In 2013, a study found that sunscreen was beneficial in preventing skin ageing. As with the blotchiness, UVA and UVB rays damage the skin in ways that speed up aging processes. Meaning wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of face aging become more significant. So, an extra step can go a long way in the years to come.