Aging is an inevitable part of life, but what if we told you there was a magical elixir that could significantly slow down the aging process? Well, while we may not have a true fountain of youth, we do have something close – sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen can indeed help prevent wrinkles, but there's a catch: you have to actually wear it.
The World Health Organization reveals a staggering statistic: up to 90% of what we perceive as skin aging is caused by the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. This process is known as photoaging, and it can wreak havoc on your skin. Every time you expose your skin to the sun, you increase your risk of cellular damage, ultimately leading to skin cancer. In places like Australia, even as little as 10 minutes of sun exposure can accumulate sun damage.
Now, unless you plan to spend the rest of your life indoors, avoiding sun exposure entirely is an impractical goal. But fear not, there's a simple solution to preventing premature aging – the daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Understanding Photoaging: The Premature Aging of Skin
Photoaging is the process of your skin aging prematurely due to sun exposure. Cumulative exposure to harmful UV rays not only leads to visible signs of damage like fine lines and wrinkles but can also trigger DNA changes that pave the way for skin cancers. Unfortunately, it often takes years for the symptoms of excessive sun exposure to manifest, and the severity of these symptoms varies depending on the level of exposure. These symptoms may include decreased skin elasticity, uneven skin tone and texture, broken capillaries (spider veins), fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin conditions like hyperpigmentation.
The Culprits: UVA and UVB Rays
You might think that as long as your skin isn't red from sunburn, you're safe. However, UV rays come in two types: UVA and UVB, and both contribute to skin damage and, potentially, skin cancers.
UVA rays are the silent culprits behind aging and skin cancer. They penetrate deep into the layers of our skin, causing damage at the cellular level. UVA rays can even break down essential proteins like collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining youthful-looking skin. As these proteins deteriorate over time, you begin to notice those dreaded fine lines and wrinkles. The tricky part is that UVA damage isn't always visible (like sunburn) and is irreversible. These sneaky rays can even penetrate through windows, so even if you're indoors or driving, you should protect exposed skin.
On the other hand, UVB rays don't penetrate as deeply as UVA rays. They mainly affect the top layer of your skin, causing redness (sunburn) and, with prolonged exposure, age spots, hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and even skin cancers.
I Only Need To Wear Sunscreen In Summer, Right?
UV radiation is a year-round threat, with UV indexes above 3 posing risks to your skin. You can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy, and in fact the NHS recommends spending most time in the shade between March to October.
Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Hiva Fassihi explains “it’s really important to use a sunscreen every day, even in winter months, because ultraviolet, which is an invisible radiation, is present all year round, even in the winter months. Because we know ultraviolet can cause problems with skin cancer and skin ageing, it’s really important to incorporate sunscreen use into your daily regime so it becomes routine.”
Is it possible to reverse sun damage? Unfortunately, the damage that UV light inflicts on your skin occurs at a cellular level and is often irreversible. However, this shouldn't discourage you from wearing sunscreen to prevent further damage.
SPF: Your Shield Against UV Rays
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It indicates how long your sunscreen will protect you from sunburn, or sun damage caused by UVB rays. Sunscreen can't block 100% of ultraviolet light, so SPF denotes how long it takes for your skin to turn red when exposed to the sun.
For instance, SPF 50 blocks up to 98% of UVB rays. To ensure your sunscreen provides the best protection, make sure it's a broad-spectrum sunscreen. These contain added "active" ingredients that help prevent UVA rays from penetrating your skin. In other words, broad-spectrum sunscreen safeguards your skin against both UVA and UVB rays.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
When it comes to sunscreen, there are two main types: chemical and mineral sunscreens. Both offer UVA and UVB protection, so don't stress too much about picking one over the other. The most crucial factor is finding a sunscreen you like and committing to wearing it every day.
Your Anti-Aging Hero: Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen into your daily skincare routine is your ticket to preventing wrinkles and achieving clearer skin. Whether it's a chemical or mineral sunscreen, the key is daily application. By starting this habit early in life, you not only protect your skin but also delay the onset of wrinkles.
And don't forget about your body – remember to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas. Always read the sunscreen label and follow usage instructions.
Embrace the Sunscreen Revolution
Are you ready to upgrade your skincare routine? The best sunscreen is the one you'll actually wear, so find one you like and make it a part of your daily routine.
This is why we wanted to bring We Are Feel Good Inc on board - the sunscreen you can FEEL GOOD about. Gentle, protective sunscreen, in beautiful packaging - we want to use it every day.
Remember, sunscreen is just one component of sun protection. When exposed to the sun, wear protective clothing like long sleeves, hats, and protective eyewear, and avoid prolonged exposure. Together, these steps will help you maintain youthful, healthy skin for years to come.
Shop We Are Feel Good Gentle SFP50+ Sunscreen now