Everyone knows they are supposed to wear sunscreen, especially during the hotter months while you are outside, but maybe not everyone understands the importance of protecting the skin from the sun.
Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV exposure, and this means that, aside from protecting you from getting a sunburn, sunscreen is actually one of the most important factors in delaying skin aging, photoaging, and preventing skin cancer. Used consistently, daily, and renewing it every few hours, it has been proven scientifically that it lowers the risk of developing cancerous cells. Moreover, UV exposure can lead to premature breakdown of collagen, elastin, and skin cells which can result in wrinkles, sun spots, discoloration, and a dull appearance (hyperproliferation of keratinocytes).
One of the researches found that UVB light caused damage to the outermost layer of the skin. This as a result causes dermal inflammation, keratinocyte cell death, and epidermal thickening, all of which have been associated with DNA damage response signaling. Unfortunately, this is not all, as RNA molecule damage, via the ribotoxic stress response, induces immediate sunburn symptoms.
The good news is that the technology in the professional skincare industry is so advanced nowadays, that one can choose from a wide variety of sunscreens, water-based, with tint, creams or powders, including moisturizers, or serums, for hydrating and anti-aging benefits. There are many formulations either all-mineral, organic, lightweight, clear formulations with no white cast, even formulations of microbiome-friendly suitable for the sensitive and easily irritated skin, and the trend is showing that an SPF of 50 is the most popular. What is more the technology helps support 40-minute water resistance, meaning that it is waterproof but can be easily washed away.
While prevention has always been the best policy when it comes to UV damage, there are a host of ingredient technologies to address the aesthetic impacts once the damage is done. Hyaluronic acid and collagen has beneficial properties to quickly soothe UV-induced erythema, and last but not least, antioxidants have the power to counteract further damage due to UV radiation.
Sunscreen shouldn’t be reserved only for the playful days at the beach. Our skin is the biggest organ of our body and our face, neck and hands are the only ones that are everyday exposed to the sun, toxic pollutants and any other external factors. Therefore, sunscreen should be applied every day, all year round, even when indoors, in front of a computer or phone where the blue light that is emitted from these devices is also harmful radiation. It is the outmost importance that sunscreen to be included in our daily skincare routine, and the positive results will be a given in the long run. Consult your professional skincare specialist on which sunscreen is most suitable for your skin’s needs.
