Many people think that wearing sunscreen is only for sweltering summer days, but the truth is that your skin—the body’s largest organ—deserves vigilant protection from harmful UV rays throughout the year. However, applying sunscreen every day has benefits that reach far beyond preventing painful sunburn. Nirvana Healthcare Management Services is here to break down those benefits and help you find the sunscreen products that work best for your skin type.
With nine medical practices located throughout East Orange and Newark, NJ, we offer primary care services and specialty treatments that are second to none. From routine wellness visits to chronic disease management, we take a holistic, integrated approach to healthcare. Reach out to receive more dermatology tips and tricks or to book an appointment.
Prevention of Premature Aging
One of the most persuasive reasons to wear sunscreen every day is to reduce your risk of skin cancer. The sun’s UV rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells, leading to the development of harmful growths like Melanoma. This fatal form of skin cancer is directly linked to excessive UV exposure. While Melanoma is known for being particularly aggressive and potentially fatal, putting on a broad-spectrum sunscreen each morning can prevent it.
In addition to decreasing your skin cancer risk, excessive sun exposure accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and a leathery texture. Regular use of sunscreen protects these critical components of the skin’s structural integrity, helping retain its elasticity and smoothness.
Reduces Risk of Sunburn
Having fun in the sun can quickly turn into a wave of regret when you get home and notice your body is beet red. Sunburn is not just a temporary inconvenience; it’s a clear sign of skin damage caused by harmful rays. Even on cloudy or overcast days, UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate through. Adequate sunscreen helps you avoid the peeling, soreness, and painful blisters that come from getting burned. Moreover, frequent sunburns increase the chance of skin cancers and premature skin aging.
Prevents Hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure can also lead to the development of uneven skin tone and dark spots, known as hyperpigmentation. The sun’s UV rays trigger the overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, which can result in the formation of age spots and other types of discoloration. Consistent sunscreen use helps to prevent this type of sun-induced hyperpigmentation and causes existing discoloration to fade.
Sunscreen for All Skin Types and Tones
A common misconception is that only individuals with fair skin need sunscreen. However, the sun’s rays can be dangerous for people of every race and ethnicity. Therefore, it is vital for people of all skin tones to include sunscreen in their daily routine to ensure comprehensive protection from cancers and other forms of sun damage.
When selecting a sunscreen, it’s important to choose a formula that suits your specific skin type and needs. For instance, for those with sensitive skin, mineral-based sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often gentler and less irritating than chemical sunscreens.
How Often to Reapply Sunscreen
After first applying sunscreen, it’s generally recommended to wait about 15 to 30 minutes before going swimming. This waiting period allows the sunscreen to fully bind to your skin, ensuring that it remains effective even when you enter the water. If you go swimming immediately after applying sunscreen, it may wash off before it has a chance to provide adequate protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s also important to apply a generous amount – most people don’t use enough sunscreen, which can compromise its effectiveness.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating heavily. Even water-resistant formulas can lose effectiveness when exposed to water or excessive moisture. Regular reapplication is necessary to maintain optimal protection against the sun’s rays throughout the day.
The Truth About Tanning Beds and Sunscreen
Even if you diligently apply sunscreen every day, using tanning beds can still pose significant health risks. Tanning beds emit concentrated UV radiation, much like the sun, but at levels that can be even more intense and harmful. This artificial UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, including Melanoma.
Moreover, frequent use of tanning beds accelerates skin aging, leading to premature wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. The misconception that applying sunscreen before using a tanning bed offers protection is misleading; the intensity of UV rays in tanning beds can overwhelm the sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens. Health experts universally agree that for those seeking a tan, safer alternatives such as sunless tanning products are preferable and carry none of the risks associated with UV exposure from tanning beds.
Want More Skin Secrets? Reach Out Today
Nirvana Healthcare Management Services is committed to your overall well-being, which includes skin health. Our team is here to provide more insights and guidance on how to protect your skin effectively. For more personalized advice and to explore our healthcare services, reach out to our offices in Newark and East Orange, NJ. Let us help you maintain your health, inside and out, with practical and informed healthcare solutions.
