Most of us know the importance of wearing sunscreen especially living in tropical weather to avoid sunburn and damage, but it really should be a year-round preventive health measure. Always wear sunscreen, no matter your skin color or tone. Sunscreen dates back to ancient Egypt, where rice bran extract and jasmine were used to help shield skin from the sun. Chemists invented the first commercial sunscreen in 1936, and it has been improved upon ever since. Modern sunscreens are water resistant, and are included in many cosmetics and beauty products, such as primers, foundations, serums, and creams.
Why You Should Always Wear Sunscreen, Even on Cloudy Days
Up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds. So, if you assume it’s OK to forgo protection on an overcast day, that's definitely not a good idea. Sunscreen is an important preventive health care habit that should be maintained all year, including the rainy months. Here are the top five reasons why applying sunscreen should be a daily habit year-round:
It Protects Your Skin from UV Rays: The depletion of the ozone layer has increased our risk of sun damage from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen blocks these rays, greatly reducing the likelihood of sunburn. Look for sunscreen products with at least SPF30 and use each and every day. For full body coverage you’ll want to apply about an ounce.
It Lowers Your Skin Cancer Risk: In 2015, skin cancer ranked 10th as the most common cancer in Malaysia and accounted for 2.6% of all cancer cases in the country. Data from the Dermatology Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur (2006-2014), showed that basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in Malaysia, accounting for 34.9% of cases. By applying sunscreen each day, you cut your risk of contracting skin cancers in half.
It Prevents Premature Aging of the Skin: Sun damage from UV rays causes photoaging of the skin, which is characterized by a thick, leathery look, discoloration, and a breakdown of collagen, which contributes to lines, sagging and wrinkles. Studies show that those below age 55 who apply sunscreen regularly have 24 percent less chance of developing these signs of aging than those who don’t.
It Helps Maintain an Even Skin Tone: Sunscreen helps prevent discoloration and dark spots from sun damage, helping you maintain a smoother and more even skin tone.
Protect all Skin Types and Tones
Some people believe that if you have a darker skin tone and don’t burn easily, you don’t need to wear sunscreen. This isn’t true! Even if you don’t get sunburns, your skin is still prone to damage in the sun. Although it is more common among those with fair skin, skin cancer can affect people with darker skin tones as well.
How to Choose Sunscreen
No matter the forecast, sunscreen is the one step you should never skip before heading outdoors for the day. Applying sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s powerful UV rays, minimizing your risk of painful sunburns, skin cancer, and premature signs of aging, such as dark spots and wrinkles.
Now, it’s important to know what type of sunscreen to use. Our dermatologist recommended a strong protective layer against UV rays with SPF not least than 30 (the best is 50). Go for water-like texture, non-sticky and light on skin despite multiple applications. Non-greasy not only a very good moisturizing content, bit it is also good for combination skin, oily, normal and dry skin type.
Would you like to know more? We are here to help you! SkynFyx is a platform that provides personal care education which is completely free. SkynFyx is run by our skin doctors and you can chat with us without ever leaving your home.
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