We’ve all heard the warnings about how dangerous it is to stay in the sun too long without protection. But many of us still fail to prioritize sun protection when going out into the elements. We think that if we slather on some sunscreen and throw on a hat, then we’re good to go – but this isn’t always enough. Sun exposure can damage both short-term and long-term, so taking proper precautions daily is essential. Here are four reasons why sun protection should be part of your daily routine:
1. Create a Barrier On Your Skin
Sunscreen forms a physical barrier on your skin that helps reflect and block out the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This is especially important if you spend time in direct sunlight, such as going to the beach or engaging in outdoor activities. Wearing sunscreen can help reduce your risk of developing severe skin issues like wrinkles, sunburns, and even skin cancer.
When Choosing sunscreen, opt for 100% natural, mineral-based sunscreens with broad spectrum (UVA + UVB) protection. Applying liberally and reapplying SPF everyday will create a protective barrier to your skin from the sun. Ensure to cover all exposed areas.
2. Avoid sunburns
To prevent sunburn, it’s essential to wear sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating of at least 15 or higher every day when outside in direct sunlight for extended periods. Make sure you apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas — at least one ounce per application should do the trick.
Additionally, wearing protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses will help keep UV rays off your face and body even more effectively than sunscreen alone. It’s also a good idea to take breaks from being in direct sunlight during peak hours (generally between 10AM – 4PM). This will give your skin a chance to cool down and rest before heading back out into the elements again.
3. Protect Your Health
UV radiation from the sun has been linked to several health problems, including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and various types of skin cancers. Making sun protection part of your daily routine can help protect you from these diseases. Additionally, sunscreen can help reduce the risk of sunburns, which can be painful and take a long time to heal.
Make sure you apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas — at least one ounce per application should do the trick. And don’t forget to reapply as needed throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating.
4. Slow down signs of ageing
The sun’s UV rays can also cause premature ageing, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. While there is no way to completely stop this from happening, wearing sunscreen daily can significantly slow down the process. Sunscreen helps protect your skin against sun damage that causes these signs of aging.
By incorporating sun protection into your daily routine, you can help keep your skin looking and feeling it’s best for years to come. Even if you’re only spending a few minutes out in the elements, it’s always a good idea to put on sunscreen first.
5. Added protection for those with photosensitivity
For those with photosensitivity, extra precautions need to be taken when it comes to sun protection. Photosensitive individuals are more vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation from the sun and can experience a range of health issues due to overexposure. To protect these individuals from the sun’s harmful rays, there are several steps they can take each day.
Choose a broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB) sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating of at least 15 or higher and apply it generously. Additionally, wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts to further shield from the sun’s rays. Seek out shady spots when outside for extended periods, and remember to reapply sunscreen as needed.
Making sun protection part of your daily routine is essential for everyone, especially those with photosensitivity. These simple steps can help protect you from the harmful effects of UV radiation and keep you healthy.
6. Smooth Skin
Sun protection is essential for protecting your health and slowing down signs of aging, but it can also help keep your skin looking smooth and healthy. Sunscreen helps protect against sunburns, which can be painful and take a long time to heal, as well as UV radiation from the sun that causes wrinkles and sagging skin. By incorporating sun protection into your daily routine, you can help keep your skin looking its best.
In addition to wearing sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15 or higher every day when outside in direct sunlight for extended periods, there are other steps you can take to ensure smooth skin. Exfoliating regularly will remove dead skin cells that cause dullness, while moisturizing afterward will add hydration back into the newly exposed layers of skin. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will also help maintain moisture levels in the body’s largest organ – our skin.
7. Avoid Inflammation and Redness
Sunburns are not only painful, but they can also lead to inflammation and redness. This is because UV radiation from the sun damages the skin’s protective barrier, which leads to irritation and inflammation. To avoid this uncomfortable side effect of overexposure to the sun’s rays, it is vital to ensure you incorporate sun protection into your daily routine.
The inflammation and redness from sunburns can be hard to eliminate after the fact, so it is best to try and prevent them in the first place. By wearing sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15 or higher on exposed areas whenever you’re outside for extended periods, you can help avoid this painful side effect of too much sun. Additionally, wearing protective clothing such as hats and long-sleeved shirts can help reduce your risk of inflammation and redness from UV radiation.
Overall, making sun protection a part of your daily routine is vital for immediate and long-term health. Not only will it protect you from painful sunburns and various types of skin cancer, but it will also help you look younger and longer. So the next time you go out into the sun, make sure to throw on sunscreen – your skin will thank you for it.