By Sara Katan APRN, Couture Med Spa

Some people think about sun protection only when they spend a day at the lake, beach, or pool. But sun exposure adds up day after day, and it happens every time you are outdoors. Even though sunlight is the main source of UV (Ultraviolet) rays, you don’t have to avoid the sun completely. Sun exposure in small amounts comes with its own benefits such as vitamin D exposure but with the use of daily sunscreen application protecting your skin from the harmful effects from the sun is possible. Today we will talk about ways to limit your UV ray contact and the top benefits to wearing sunscreen every single day. 

1. Protects against skin cancer

The UV radiation that affects the skin is composed of two different types of waves, UVA and UVB rays. When UV rays hit the skin, they damage its DNA, and cells in the dermis work on overdrive to produce melanin in the epidermis (top layer of the skin) increasing risk for various types of skin cancers such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. 

2. Prevents premature aging

Skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. The dermis contains collagen, elastin and other fibers that support the skin’s structure. It is these elements that give skin its youthful appearance and UV exposure is what damages this layer of skin leading to premature aging. 

3. Maintains healthy skin complexion

As noted above UV damages the layer of the skin that contains the collagen and elastin that contributes to smooth and youthful skin. 

4. Prevents sunburns

A sunburn occurs as an inflammatory response to UV damage to the skin on the epidermis. Repeated sunburns will lead to increased risk of certain types of skin cancers and premature aging.

There are many benefits of wearing daily sunscreen, but there are several other important factors to consider when you are out in the sun. 

• Using the right sunscreen: There are so many types of sunscreens on the market and sometimes that can feel overwhelming when trying to select the perfect one for your skin needs. The two main types of sunscreens are chemical and physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat, and releases them from the body. Physical sunscreen sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. It is important for active sun exposure you are selecting a product that has broad spectrum coverage, meaning it covers UVA and UVB. It is also important to consider SPF (sun protection factor) and the higher the SPF number, the higher percentage of coverage. There is no sunscreen available that protects you 100%.
• Cover up: When you are out in the sun, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect the skin as much as possible. Wearing sunglasses that have UV protection is also advised. 
• Seek shade: Sun is the strongest during the times of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Finding shade when the sun is the strongest can further help protect your skin. 
• Avoid tanning beds: Artificial UV rays are a known risk for skin cancer and long-term damage. 
• Timing: The sun is the strongest during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Other factors: Higher elevations and cloud coverage. Increased UV exposure can occur even on cloudy days through the reflection of surfaces such as water, sand, snow, or pavement.