Wear sunscreen!
You’ve probably heard this advice again and again – especially when you visit the dermatologist’s office. But with summer over and winter approaching, is wearing sunscreen really that important? The answer is yes, even now as temperatures are falling.
In this blog, the skin care experts at The Derm are sharing all things sunscreen, including how sunscreen works, the benefits of regular sunscreen use, and how to choose and apply sunscreen correctly. We’re also here to answer your sunscreen questions any time of year.
How sunscreen works
Wearing sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the American Academy of Dermatology, and many other leading health organizations, everyone over 6 months of age should wear sunscreen 365 days a year.
But how does sunscreen work? The goal of any sunscreen is to help shield your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. When UV rays penetrate your skin, they disrupt the growth and function of your skin cells, breaking down the collagen and elastin that help keep your skin smooth and supple. Over time, damage from the sun can cause sunburn, dry or uneven skin, dark spots, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
Sunscreens work in one of two ways, depending on the UV filter ingredients in the sunscreen product you use:
- Sunscreens with chemical-based UV filter ingredients, such as homosalate, sink into the top layers of your skin and absorb UV radiation before it can damage your skin cells.
- Sunscreens that contain physical (also known as mineral) UV filter ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, create a barrier that reflects UV rays off your skin.
- Some sunscreens include a mix of both types of UV filter ingredients.
Whether your skin is light or dark, dry or oily, wearing sunscreen that protects against UV rays is essential for all skin types. Your dermatologist can recommend specific sunscreen products tailored to your unique skin type.
Benefits of regular sunscreen use
Here are some of the most important benefits of regular sunscreen use:
Prevents skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million new cases each year. And UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer, making regular sunscreen use even more critical.
Studies have shown that sunscreen can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer), squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. By blocking UV rays, regular sunscreen use also reduces your risk of sunburn, another major contributor to skin cancer.
Slows the signs of aging
Blocking UV rays also prevents collagen and elastin in your skin from breaking down prematurely. These essential proteins within your skin play important roles in maintaining your skin’s elasticity, firmness, and structure.
As we age, our bodies naturally begin to produce less collagen and elastin. Repeated sun exposure accelerates this process, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Regular sunscreen use can help you preserve a more youthful appearance for longer.
Evens skin tone and prevents discoloration
UV rays prompt your skin to produce more melanin in an attempt to protect itself, often leading to an uneven skin tone and dark spots (also called sun spots or age spots). Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their color.
Sun exposure is often the reason behind hyperpigmentation, a skin condition where spots or patches on your skin become darker than the surrounding skin due to the overproduction of melanin. By blocking UV rays, regular sunscreen use helps protect your skin from discoloration and creates a more even tone.
Supports overall skin health
When used with other protective measures – including a consistent skin care routine, the appropriate skin care products, and annual skin cancer screenings – regular sunscreen use supports your overall skin health. Ask your dermatologist for more details.
Choosing and applying sunscreen correctly
Any sunscreen products labeled as “broad-spectrum” are designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. For day-to-day use, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. If you will be spending time outdoors, opt for an SPF of 60 or higher. Use water-resistant sunscreen if you will be swimming or sweating.
To get the full broad-spectrum protection from your sunscreen, apply one ounce (about a shot glass full) to your entire body 30 minutes before venturing outside – even on cloudy days. If you do this before dressing for the day, your skin should stay protected as your clothing shifts or you remove layers.
At the very least, you should use sunscreen on every part of your body that is exposed to the sun, including your face, scalp, neck, arms, legs, and the tops of your feet. Then reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
One last thing: Makeup is not enough to protect your skin, even if it has a high SPF rating. You would need significantly more makeup than you typically use to achieve the same level of protection as a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Schedule a consultation today
If you have questions about sun protection or need a skin cancer check, the skin care experts at The Derm are ready to help! Our board-certified dermatologists can examine your skin, discuss your sunscreen options, and create a customized plan just for you. To learn more, schedule a consultation at our Glenview or Park Ridge office today.
