Regardless of where you live, applying sunscreen shouldn’t be a habit only during the summer months. UV rays don’t go into hibernation, and even though they can be weaker at times, they can still do some serious damage.If you can’t remember to apply sunscreen every day, then make sure one of your beauty products offers protection from the sun. Whether it’s your makeup or your face lotion, this will ensure you’re using sunscreen without having to remember to add it to your daily routine. Sunscreen offers far more than just protection from skin cancer, even though that should be enough to encourage you to lather up each morning before you head out the door. Here are the key benefits of using sunscreen regularly.
In our 20’s, the skin is able to bounce back quickly after a day in the sun. In our 30’s, however, our body’s collagen production begins to slow down and eventually stops altogether. Collagen is what allows the skin to repair quickly after a sunburn, so without it, the skin damage remains on the skin in the form of sun spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. The skin will also lose elasticity and can start to look more like leather after just a few years of going without sunscreen.
Premature aging isn’t limited to just the face. The sun can cause this kind of permanent damage to anywhere on the body. Most often you will notice that the shoulders, chest, neck, and arms show signs of aging first along with the face. This is due to the face that the skin in these areas are most vulnerable to UV rays each time we step foot outside.
One of the biggest reasons people don’t wear sunscreen is because they want to get a tan. Unfortunately, the depleting ozone layer means that we’re all getting more than a tan these days, and will likely burn if we spend too much time outside. Not only have skin cancer rates significantly gone up, but more people are experiencing harsher sunburns than they have in the past. These often include blisters, extreme pain, swelling, peeling, and hives that could leave you with scars instead of a tan.
Skin that has been affected by the sun in this way is left weaker than the surrounding areas and will not only show premature signs of aging but is more likely to experience bruising and sun sensitivity even after it seems to have healed. Using sunscreen not only prevents severe sunburns but you’ll likely still get some color.
When unprotected skin is exposed to UV rays, it can leave you with an uneven skin tone for a number of reasons. The sun will often cause blotchiness and the eruption of red veins, making them more noticeable. In addition to redness, the sun will also create brown spots on the skin that will leave it looking uneven and aged. Often this kind of damage is permanent unless treated with procedures like laser skin rejuvenation.
Our skin’s health naturally deteriorates as we get older, however, using sunscreen regularly can significantly slow down this process and preserve essential skin proteins that keep the skin looking smooth and healthy. These include collagen, elastin, and keratin, which are all linked to retaining the skin’s youthful appearance. When you sit in the sun without sunscreen, you’re not just damaging the exterior but destroying these proteins as well, ensuring you will experience premature signs of aging.
One of the most important reasons you should be shielding your skin from UV rays on a daily basis is to avoid skin cancer. Not only can skin cancer be life-threatening, but it can also require large chunks of the skin to be surgically removed. If you think being pale is unsightly, imagine the scars skin cancer will leave you with.
If the sun has already left you with a significant amount of skin damage, there are ways to help improve its health. Laser skin rejuvenation is the only method that boosts your skin’s ability to repair itself, naturally eliminating any imperfections and improving your skin’s health simultaneously. Lasers are used to target the damaged skin cells by creating microscopic wounds deep within the layers of the skin. The body then naturally begins the healing process, replacing the damaged skin cells with fresh new ones and boosting collagen production. It’s the best way to improve the appearance of your skin and bring back any lost elasticity.
Sunscreen is an essential part of the healing process after laser skin rejuvenation as well. The procedure, while most people experience few side effects, can leave the skin hypersensitive to the sun for a few days. It’s for that reason that those receiving treatments are encouraged to apply sunscreen several times per day as part of their aftercare routine until they complete their laser sessions.
For more information on how to take care of your skin after laser skin rejuvenation, watch this video: