One of the most skin ageing factors, is sun exposure and it is the most avoidable thing we can actually do something about to prevent ageing. Cover up and wear SPF 50+. Most of us know the importance of wearing sunscreen in the summer months to avoid sunburn and damage, but it really should be a year-round preventive health measure. Always wear sunscreen, no matter your skin colour or tone. Sunscreen dates back to ancient Egypt, where rice bran extract and jasmine were used to help shield skin from the su
Why You Should Always Wear Sunscreen, Even on Cloudy Days Up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, so if you assume it’s OK to forgo protection on an overcast day, think again. Sunscreen is an important preventive health care habit that should be maintained all year, including the winter months. Snow can reflect up to 80 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays, increasing your risk of exposure to sun damage. Also, the higher the altitude, the greater the UV exposure, so sunscreen is crucial for family ski vacations, too. When in doubt: always wear sunscreen!
Here are the top five reasons why applying sunscreen should be a daily habit year round:
1. It Protects Your Skin from UV Rays: The depletion of the ozone layer has increased our risk of sun damage from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen blocks these rays, greatly reducing the likelihood of sunburn. Look for products like our https://www.skin-1st.co.uk/product-page/daily-tinted-protect-spf50-50ml?page=2
and use each and every day.
2. It Lowers Your Skin Cancer Risk: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 71,943 people were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin in 2013, and 9,394 of these cases were fatal. By applying sunscreen each day, you cut your risk of contracting skin cancers in half.
3. It Prevents Premature Ageing of the Skin: Sun damage from UVA (A=Ageing) rays causes photoageing of the skin, which is characterized by a thick, leathery look; discolouration; and a significant breakdown of collagen, which contributes to lines, sagging and wrinkles. Studies show that those below age 55 who apply sunscreen regularly have 24 percent less chance of developing these signs of ageing than those who don’t.
4. It Helps Maintain an Even Skin Tone: Sunscreen helps prevent discolouration and dark spots from sun damage, helping you maintain a smoother and more even skin tone.
5. Your Chances of Skin Cancer are Higher if Your Hair is Red: Scientists used to think the reason for this increased risk was due to the fair skin tone of redheads. In 2013, however, researchers discovered the MC1R gene mutation which creates red hair and fair skin. This mutation also creates a cancer causing pathway which, when exposed to UV radiation, promotes a genetic propensity towards cancer.
6. Many anti ageing skincare products include resurfacing AHA, BHA chemicals such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic, mandelic, Kojic, hydroquinine and Retinoids which promote cell turnover and reduce lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. These also remove the protective top layer of skin called the stratum corneum which serves as the primary barrier between the body and the environment. Although these products are great skincare you will need to wear SPF50+ every day due to the compromise of the stratum corneum.
7. SPF50+ also acts as a hydrator or moisturiser for the skin, helping to reduce the harsh wind chill and cold burns of severe winter weather upon the skin
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Andrea Bath is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with her own clinic in the North of England.
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