Most of you already know the importance of wearing sunscreen especially when summertime is here. In today’s blog post, let’s discuss the importance and benefits of wearing SPF daily, even on cloudy days!

Before we dive into it, I wanted to share some fun facts. Did you know that up to 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds? That’s crazy right! Or did you also know that snow can reflect up to 80% of ultraviolet (UV) rays, increasing the risk of exposure to sun damage? This shows you how powerful the sun can be for your skin, even though you can’t see it at all times!

Why do you need SPF daily?

Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer
May is the month dedicated to Skin Cancer Awareness. About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Skin cancer occurs when the body does not repair damage to the DNA inside skin cells, allowing the cells to divide and grow uncontrollably. Skin cell damage may be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics and skin type. Most cases of skin cancer result from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Sunscreen protects your skin and reduces your risk of developing skin cancer and skin pre-cancers. The Skin Cancer Foundation claims that applying sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 reduces your chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and your melanoma risk (the deadliest type of skin cancer) by 50%.

Avoid Inflammation & Sunburn
Did you know that sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays, UVA and UVB rays? UVA rays (also used in tanning booths) are mainly linked to long-term skin damage like the formation of wrinkles and are also associated with some types of skin cancers. However, UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and are thought to cause most skin cancers. Even a single sunburn can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer significantly. This is because when the skin absorbs ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, it can damage the genetic material in skin cells. Thankfully there’s a solution for this, Sunscreen! SPF helps defend the skin against UV rays by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. So you know what to do, apply your SPF daily!

Prevent Early Signs Of Aging
When it comes to developing wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet, one of the most effective and preventative formulas is sunscreen. Long exposure to UVA rays prematurely ages your skin and results in the loss of collagen and skin elasticity. Approximately up to 90% of visible signs of aging are caused by sun damage. By introducing SPF into your daily skincare routine, you’re warding off the early signs of aging with minimal effort.

Avoid Hyperpigmentation
As a licensed esthetician living in Miami, I know a thing or two about hyperpigmentation. Uneven skin pigmentation (or hyperpigmentation) refers to parts of the skin becoming discolored or darkening inconsistently. This can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by sun exposure. Blotchy skin or dark spots may spring up on the face, hands, and other parts of the body regularly exposed to the sun. The good news is that applying your SPF daily prevents the accumulation of photodamage that leads to brown spots and PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), which is the hyperpigmentation that develops after acne. So I can’t stress it enough, wear your SPF.

 

Which SPF Is Best For Everyday Use?

The two main things I express to my clients when they are researching which SPF is best to use daily is first, look for “broad spectrum”. This means that the formula doesn't only protect you from UVA but also protects from UVB rays, which is what you want! Second, check the sun protection factor, this will tell you the sunscreen’s effectiveness in blocking UV rays. For your best protection, I always recommend sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.

My ultimate favorite sunscreen that I wear daily is the Tinted Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. This one is honestly a MUST-HAVE for acne-prone skin & sensitive skin types. It contains niacinamide (Vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid; all ingredients that promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin. The sunscreen is very lightweight and silky, it may be worn under makeup or alone. Giving you all the right nutrients and leaving your skin looking glowy and youthful!

After reading a bit about Skin Cancer and SPF, I truly hope I have clarified enough the importance of wearing SPF daily. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily regimen will not only protect you from skin cancer but will also allow you to maintain your healthy skin for a longer period of time!