Sunscreen: Summer’s Best Friend
By Lisé Badeaux
As every summer comes and goes, heading outdoors to feel the sun’s warmth is the biggest plus of the season. From beach outings to park picnics, summer is a time to tan and enjoy fresh air, but it’s also a time to feel that familiar burning sensation: a sunburn. The secret to fending off a sunburn? Summer’s lifelong best friend sunscreen is here to the rescue. This often underestimated product is, in fact, a crucial element of the best summer skincare routine, offering protection far beyond just preventing sunburn.
According to CeraVe, Sunscreen is a topical product designed to absorb or reflect the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thereby protecting the skin from damage. It contains both organic and inorganic ingredients that work hand in hand to provide the best protection.
But why should sunscreen be an everyday item? The sun emits three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UPMC Health Beat states that UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and do not reach the surface, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the atmosphere and have significant effects on skin health. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, contributing to premature aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays affect the outer layer of the skin, causing sunburns and playing a key role in the development of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more cases diagnosed each year than all other cancers combined according to the American Academy of Dermatology. However, the AAD also agrees with the bottom line: sunscreen is your best friend when trying to avoid damaging your skin.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that sunscreen use can decrease the chance of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 50%. This protective effect is due to the sunscreen’s ability to block UVB radiation, which is directly linked to skin cancer formation.
Sunscreen is also helpful for avoiding sunburns. Repeated sunburns, especially during childhood, substantially increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) provides a shield on the skin, preventing the reddening and blistering associated with sunburn.
On top of these two factors, exposure to UVA rays accelerates the skin’s aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. This phenomenon, known as photoaging, results from the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine demonstrated that regular sunscreen use slows the aging of the skin. Participants who used sunscreen daily showed 24% less skin aging compared to those who did not.
Besides photoaging, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation are common skin concerns exacerbated by sun exposure. UV radiation stimulates melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment in the skin, leading to dark spots and patches. By blocking UV rays, sunscreen helps maintain a more even skin tone and prevents the formation of new discolorations.
The next step to handling the sun is selecting the right sunscreen. First, ensure the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it guards against both UVA and UVB rays. Dermatologists also recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. For those engaging in water activities or heavy sweating, water-resistant sunscreens provide longer-lasting protection. Finally, choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type. For sensitive skin, opt for formulations with physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to help protect the top layer of skin.
To maximize the benefits of your sunscreen, proper application is essential. Use about an ounce (around a shot glass full) to cover the entire body. Don’t forget areas like the ears, neck, and the tops of feet. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Do not forget to wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and seek shade during peak sun hours or when outside for an extended duration of time.
To find some of the best sunscreens, check stores like Target, Ulta, Sephora and others or do a quick Google search on ingredients, SPF or specific area applications to find what works best for you. Every skin is different, so just like creating a personalized skincare routine, find the perfect blocker for the sun.
As you enjoy the summer sun, and the transition of seasons, remember that sunscreen is your first line of defense against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Its benefits extend far beyond preventing sunburn, offering protection against skin cancer, premature aging, and uneven skin tone. By making sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your routine, you can safeguard your skin’s health and enjoy sunny days with peace of mind.