The Importance of Sunscreen: Protecting Your Skin From Harmful UV Rays

Why is sunscreen important? As I’m sure you know, the sun is one of the most important resources the solar system provides us with. It’s essential to help our bodies produce vitamin D and is fundamental in the growth of the food we eat. However, over-exposure to UVA and UVB rays causes more harm than good. This is why it's necessary to use sunscreen every time you go out into the sun, even if it's rainy or cloudy. Sunscreen Sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays by physically blocking them with mineral sunscreen or by chemically absorbing them, converting them to heat, and then releasing them from the skin. Sunscreen comes in many different forms, whether it be a lotion, spray, infused with makeup, etc. It’s important to find the formula that works best for your skin type, so you can be protected while looking your best. What to look for While all sunscreens may seem safe, not all sunscreens are made the same. When purchasing sunscreen, it's best to look for one that specifically says “Broad Spectrum” (protects from UVA and UVB rays) and one that contains the ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These sunscreens are known as mineral sunscreens and are less irritating to the skin. Chemical sunscreens, which contain ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate, have been linked to hormone disruption and can cause irritation. They have also been found to harm environments such as coral reefs, and you should stray away from purchasing them. Another important factor to look for in a sunscreen is that it's water-resistant. Water-resistant sunscreens won’t come off in the water or when you sweat as long as you let it dry for at least 15 minutes, providing you protection while having fun in the sun. You should also look at the SPF on the packaging, which measures how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from the sun. You should pick one that has an SPF 30 or higher. Though not mandatory, dermatologists highly recommend that you wear sunscreen on your face every day, even if you're only going to be outside for a brief moment or staying indoors. Sunscreen protects your skin from skin cancer and premature aging, seen on many older individuals as wrinkles or tiny dots on the skin. It helps you feel and look your best. For the most coverage, make sure to reapply every few hours, especially if you're in the sun for prolonged periods of time. Otherwise, make sure to go out into the sunshine every day! It’s great for your health and mood, and will truly brighten your day.