Words by Emma Collins
A common myth is that we only need SPF when we’re sunbathing, but skin damage is a problem even outside the beach. We are exposed to UV light all year, even on gloomy days and inside our homes because of our windows.
We may not notice this at the beginning, but the harm caused by frequent UV exposure adds up over time, increasing our chance of developing skin cancer.
Protection from UV Rays
UVA rays are more penetrating than UVB rays. They are a component in premature skin, resulting in dark spots and wrinkles since they can infiltrate the skin even deeper. Any skin cancers are often triggered by UVA rays.
The ozone layer’s degradation has raised our chance of sunburn from toxic UV rays. Sunscreen absorbs these rays, making sunburn even less likely. Men tend to overlook areas like the head, eyelids, cheeks, back of the neck, tops of the feet, and scalp. Wearing a hat is not enough. So keep these in mind to protect your skin from getting damaged.
Protection from skin cancer
It has been found that men are more likely to develop skin cancer than women, including melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer which becomes more difficult to treat in its advanced stages. This means that it could be fatal for men who do not practice any form of skin protection.
The use of sunscreen on a regular basis will minimize the risk of skin cancer by up to 50%. Men are more likely than women to develop skin cancer on their scalps and ears.
Anti-aging
It also assists in the prevention of wrinkles, age marks, and leathery, weathered skin.
The sun is responsible for 60-90 percent of aging, depending on which dermatologist you consult.
Since we are subject to the sun throughout our lives, collagen and elastin are harmed over time. Have you ever seen an older person with sagging, flat skin? This is mostly due to sun exposure. Choose an SPF sunscreen (with SPF 30 or higher) that is sustainable for you so you can use it regularly for a long time.
Fighting acne
The explanation for this is that UV light encourages bacteria to thrive on your skin. Bacteria that are normally present on your skin are trapped by your body’s oil (sebum). This mixture causes a mild infection, which results in plenty of acne.
Sunscreen will assist in this situation. It can prevent UV light from penetrating the bacteria on your skin, and certain sunscreens contain niacinamide, which helps to reduce inflammation.
Keeping an even skin tone
The dark patches on the skin from sun exposure is called hyperpigmentation. When light strikes the skin, melanocytes, or skin cells, produce and release melanin. Your body’s natural sunscreen is melanin.
Photodamage from both continuous and transient pulses of ultraviolet (UV) radiation stimulates pigment-producing cells, resulting in spots that are darker than the surrounding skin. There is no way to absolutely eradicate them until the damage has occurred. The best way to avoid hyperpigmentation and hasten its resolution is to use SPF on a daily basis.
A skincare kit is not just for women, but men as well. Men are less aware of the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to the sun, making them laxer with skincare and protection. But no one is spared from the sun’s harmful effects, so choose a sunscreen that works for you and build a sustainable skincare routine!
