Remember Your Sunscreen This Spring Break. Here’s Why.
When you’re out in the sun and enjoying your spring break, it’s easy to think that a little sun won’t hurt you. Unfortunately, you’d be very wrong. If you’re not convinced that sunscreen needs to be an essential part of your daily routine, here are a few reasons to consider changing your mind.
Why You Need Sunscreen
UV Rays Penetrate Cloud Cover
It might seem unlikely, but it’s 100% true. In fact, almost 80% of UVA and UVB rays pass through cloud cover. That means even on overcast days, you could be risking some serious sun damage. UVA and UVB rays are two of the biggest contributors to sun damaged skin, as well as a number of other unsavory skin conditions. Skin cancer, premature aging, and sunburn being a few of them. This is why applying sunscreen every time you go outside is so important. Even on cloudy days, you can risk serious skin damage if you’re not taking protective measures with SPF 30 or higher on your body.
Increased Risk of Skin Cancer
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the U.S.? As we mentioned earlier, UVA and UVB rays from the sun can directly contribute to the development of skin cancer. Some of the most commonly diagnosed skin cancers include squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and melanoma. Fortunately, it’s easy to help protect your skin from the risk of developing any of these cancers with a good sunscreen. By investing in a sunscreen and applying it correctly before you head outside, you can make a big difference in how much risk you have of developing skin cancer later in your life. In fact, sunscreen could help you cut your risk of developing skin cancer almost in half.
UV Rays Cause Premature Aging
When you’re trying to have a little bit of fun in the sun, the last thing you want to think about are signs of premature aging. Unfortunately, failing to use sunscreen can result in exactly that. UVA and UVB rays from the sun can cause signs of premature aging like leathery skin texture, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. In addition, sun damage can result in inhibited collagen production, which means your skin could be more likely to wrinkle and sag if you’re not careful. If you want to make sure your skin stays smooth and supple while you’re outside at the beach, sunscreen is the best way to achieve your goal.
Sun Damage Can Lead to Uneven Skin Tone
Whether your sunburn just feels like a mild skin rash or your skin is seriously blistering, you’re risking your skin tone when you choose not to wear sunscreen. Skin discoloration is another common symptom of sun damage on your skin. While age spots might not appear right away, you could experience hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration in areas where you’ve been sunburned before. These discolored patches on your skin could also evolve into early signs of skin cancer. If you want to maintain smooth, even-toned skin for the majority of your life, wearing sunscreen needs to be part of your daily routine.
Sunscreen application is essential to protecting your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure. If you have questions about protecting your skin from the sun, contact SE Dermatology Specialists today.