As much as we enjoy a day spent in the sunshine, the sun’s UV rays can harm our skin’s health and appearance if we aren’t careful. That’s why developing sun protection habits is essential.
Some of the most important sun protection habits include:
- Staying out of the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Covering your arms and legs with protective clothing.
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher year round.
- Seeking shade when outside.
While applying sunscreen and wearing a hat might seem a little inconvenient, the benefits of sun protection are well worth it. Here are the top five reasons to protect your skin while enjoying the sun.
1. Reduce the risk of skin cancer
Sunscreen and other sun protection tools are the first line of defense against skin cancer. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation states that daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher reduces the risk of skin cancer by 40 to 50 percent (depending on the type of cancer).[*]
To protect your skin, apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before sun exposure, and don’t forget to reapply after swimming or strenuous exercise. This advice applies not only to warm, sunny days, but also to cold, cloudy days. Even when it’s cloudy, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches Earth, making sun protection necessary year round.[*]
2. Reduce signs of aging
You probably don’t realize how much sun exposure affects your skin’s appearance. Some studies suggest that sun exposure contributes to over 80 percent of visible signs of premature aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, roughness, and sagginess.[*] This is because UV rays permeate your skin barrier and break down collagen and elastin— proteins found in the skin that work together to give skin its texture and shape.
By making sunscreen and other sun protection tools a part of your daily skincare routine, you’ll be warding off signs of aging with minimal effort.
3. Helps maintain an even skin tone
Premature aging isn’t the only way the sun’s UV rays can negatively affect your skin’s appearance. Sun exposure without proper protection can also cause your skin to become discolored and hyperpigmented.
Fortunately, sunscreen and other sun protection habits can prevent this unsightly discoloration, helping you maintain a more even skin tone.
4. Protect the skin from sunburns
We’ve likely all developed a sunburn after spending a long day in the sun without adequate sun protection. Not only are sunburns painful and slow healing, but they can increase your risk of premature aging and skin cancer.[*] To prevent burns, make sunscreen, shade, and hats your friends!
5. It sets a good example for others
As you’ve learned today, sun protection is incredibly important to your health and appearance. By exemplifying a consistent sun protection regimen in your daily life, you may encourage your friends and family members to follow suit. This is especially true of children who are easily influenced by the adults in their lives.
Support Your Skin Health with Rodgers Dermatology
To further support your skin’s health and appearance, consider visiting Rodgers Dermatology in Frisco, Texas. Whether you’re interested in establishing a basic skincare regimen, reducing signs of aging, treating a skin condition, or getting an annual skin cancer check, Rodgers Dermatology has the solution.
We welcome you to contact us at 972-704-2400 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Also, be sure to check out the high-quality sun protection products offered on our site.