Everyone needs to use sunscreen. Sunscreen is a vital part of anyone’s skincare routine because it has a lot of preventative and helpful benefits that can make all the difference in your skin health. Sunscreen is that final layer in a skincare routine that protects your skin from harmful UV rays throughout the day, but it does so much more than that.
Why You Should Wear Sunscreen Daily
Daily sunscreen use helps with various aspects of your skin health, appearance, and assists with preventative measures.
Decrease the Risk of Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous kind of skin cancer. It occurs when pigment-producing cells (the cells that give color to the skin) begin to grow out of control, becoming cancerous.
Melanoma may not be the easiest to spot on darker skin, but Medical News Today gives some signs to look for, such as:
- New or changing growth under the nails or on the soles of the feet.
- Flat dark brown or tan spot(s) with irregular borders.
- Growing spot(s) that may eventually develop into sores.
The Skin Care Foundation advises, “Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.” UV rays can be very harmful and if exposed excessively without any or a proper amount of protection, it can increase the risk of skin cancer. However, daily use of sunscreen can significantly decrease your chances of developing melanoma.
Protect from Damaging UVA & UVB Rays
There are two different kinds of UV rays: UVA and UVB.
UVA rays have a longer wavelength and are associated with skin aging; these types of rays are year-round. UVA rays can be more dangerous because they penetrate the skin more deeply and are not filtered through glass, which means UVA rays are apparent all day.
- Fast fact – UVA rays are emitted while using tanning beds, so be conscious of that if that’s something you do.
UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are associated with skin burning. UVB rays do not penetrate as deeply as UVA rays, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be damaging. These rays are more likely to cause problems with the top layers of your skin, and these rays play the greatest role in causing skin cancers, like melanoma.
For the best protection from both, it’s best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reach for a chemical sunscreen, that is water-resistant, which is a great option for outdoor days or when you may be sweating.
Prevent Signs of Premature Aging
Consistent exposure to UV rays without protection can damage the cells in your skin that contribute to aging. Sun rays can break down the two main proteins that contribute to elasticity in your skin: elastin and collagen. This can lead to early signs of aging like:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Discoloration
Using an SPF of 30 or higher can protect the skin well enough to stop this from happening too early.
Maintain an Even Skin Tone & Texture
While sun exposure is great for the skin, too much of it can cause hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is when part(s) of the skin appear darker than others, and uneven skin tone. Using sunscreen consistently can reduce the chances of the above happening, and ensure that your skin stays as healthy and happy as possible!
Black Girl Sunscreen Is for Everyone
At Black Girl Sunscreen, we pride ourselves on creating quality sun protection formulas products that are made for all skin tones! One of the best aspects of our sunscreens is that they don’t leave the unwanted white or purple cast that’s unappealing on the skin of color. Our products also contain moisturizing ingredients that work together to contribute to your skin’s health and protection, such as:
- Avocado Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Aloe Vera Leaf Extract
- Shea Butter
- Chamomile
- Carrot Seed Oil
All of our sunscreens are paraben, oxybenzone, and octinoxate-free, which means they are reef-friendly and won’t contribute to hormonal disruption. Parabens and octinoxate are both linked to ecological harm (like disrupting coral reefs) and hormonal disruption and oxybenzone has been known to cause allergic reactions and can produce symptoms similar to eczema.
Remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Whether you’re on vacation and on the beach, or working from home and looking at screens most of the day, you need sunscreen!