Sunscreen-Your Skin’s Best Friend

Over 93 million miles away, the sun is a source of energy for our ecosystem and the beloved Mother Earth. Of course, it’s one of the most essential parts of human life. Despite playing a major role in human life on earth, the sun can also be the worst enemy of our skin. Sadly, it’s the prime reason for skin cancer and premature aging.

In spite of all this, many individuals continue to bask in the sun’s rays, looking for a sun-kissed golden tan complexion, but also gathering irreversible damage to their skin. But how can we enjoy the sun and protect our skin simultaneously? Is it possible? Yes, this is where sunscreen comes into play.

Sunscreen is ‘MANDATORY’ and not ‘OPTIONAL’

Is your sunscreen spray bottle hidden in the back of your closet or somewhere in between your swim suits? And you’re only looking to unearth it during the weekend beach trips. My dear! It’s time to bring it into your daily life!

I’m sure you’ll ask why I’m becoming a champion supporter of sunscreen. Let me tell you the truth.

In the USA alone, one person out of every five is at the risk of developing skin cancer by the age of 70. Unfortunately, this number is increasing due to the tanning beds and exposure to ultraviolet rays. Here’s why the Sunscreen is the ultimate guardian of your skin.

Role of sunscreen
Sun protection lotion acts like a bulletproof vest for your skin. Most of the sun energy is composed of radiations called UV (ultraviolet) radiations. You cannot detect them because they are not visible to naked eye. The ozone layer filters out most of the UV rays but still a small amount penetrates through the protective layer.

When these high-energy photons strike our skin, they result in severe DNA damage. These factors result in skin damage, skin aging or skin cancer. Sunscreen protects the human skin by reflecting, scattering or filtering out these rays. A sunscreen lotion does so by two ingredients: chemical filters and inorganic particles.

Still not convinced you need to lather up before your next outing? Let me endorse the argument with sunscreen’s various functions to protect our skin.

• Protection against deadly skin cancer
  Apart from the beauty perspective of sunscreen lotion, it also shields the skin against various types of skin cancer, especially, melanoma. Using a sun protection spray is equally important even on a rainy or cloudy day. Since it decreases the chances of developing skin cancer.
  
• Protection against early signs of ageing due to UV exposure
  Continuous depletion of ozone layer has increasingly exposed us directly to the harmful sun rays. UV rays can penetrate the dermis or the second layer of skin beneath the epidermis destroying the elastin fibers and the collagen leading to skin ageing, early onset of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. A good sun protection cream with broad spectrum UV protection prevents you from such danger.

• Prevention from skin damage
  When the collagen and elastin fibers get damaged, it results in a process known as ‘cross linking’. It further results in sagging and wrinkling of the skin leading to a leathery appearance. Such skin is full of wrinkles, freckles, fine lines, age spots and discoloration. However, anyone using sunscreen spray is 24% less at the chance of premature aging before turning to 55.

• Maintaining the skin tone
  The sun can halt the natural process of shedding dead cells resulting in uneven skin tone. If you analyze a cross-section of normal skin, you will find that the cells in the epidermis form layers that look like layers of brick in a wall. On the other hand, a skin damaged by sun, will show the same structure looking like a brick wall that is collapsing, made with uneven, poorly made bricks! Sunscreen lotion helps to tone the skin and make it soft and smooth.

Sunscreen is great for any skin type

Even if your skin doesn’t burn easily, wearing sunscreen is still important. If you expose your skin for a longer period, you’re always at risk. Whether your skin is lighter or darker, you must sunblock.

Sunscreen also works as the best ANTI AGEING PRODUCT

Any anti ageing skincare starts with sunscreen. It offers a boost to simple vanity. Any SPF 30 or a sunscreen spray works as anti-sagging, anti wrinkles and anti ageing. It is advised to apply sunscreen lotion even if the sun is not shining. They are still the first and best line of defense against premature ageing. Even, if I say it reverses the age, it wouldn’t be exaggeration.

Let me explain!

How sunscreen reverses our age?

Our skin turns over every 28 days.  A sun protection cream instigates the innate regenerative properties of our skin. Due to an enhanced regenerative process, wrinkles and dark spots disappear. Besides, moisture that sunscreen offers, it also produces and maintains the elasticity of the skin. Using a sunscreen lotion daily, not only significantly halts the anti ageing process but also reverses it to a good extent.

Types of sunscreen

Physical sunscreen

Titanium oxide and zinc oxide are two types of physical sunscreen spray ingredients. These constitute mineral sunscreen ingredients that sit on the skin surface to protect it by scattering or reflecting sun’s UV rays even before it penetrates into the skin. They start working immediately and last for a considerable time because they are not absorbed by the sun. Both titanium oxide and zinc oxide are mild ingredients and are even considered safe for babies. They rarely instigate irritation or rashes. You can apply them three times a day, morning, noon and night.

Chemical sunscreen

Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens constitute carbon based compounds including octisalate, octinoxate, oxybenzone and avobenzone. They convert UV rays into heat through a chemical process. After that, they release this heat out of the skin. These are also known as chemical absorbers.

Water resistant sunscreen

Since the UV rays can penetrate through water so you need a water resistant sunscreen. These are perfect for those involved in water activities or water sports. However, water proof sunblock and water resistant sunblock are slightly different. The first can keep SPF level up to 80 minutes under the water while the second one can maintain SPF level up to 40 minutes. To check the exact details, please read the label on the sunscreen.