Summer May be Coming to an End, But You Still Need Sunscreen
Sunscreen All Year Round
Summer and all of its exciting events may be winding down but that doesn't mean the sun's UV rays are taking a breather. As fun as the sunshine is, skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer that affects humans, with one in five developing it by the time they are 70. Integrating sunscreen into your daily routine will help combat dangerous UV rays and allow you to thrive on your wellness journey.
The Impact of Sunscreen Over the Years
It wasn't until the early 90s that SPF 30 was introduced. Sunscreen was around but in much lower doses and the health implications of spending too much time in the sun, or tanning bed, had yet to be discovered. Around the year 2010, indoor tanning started getting taxed and more campaigns against this unhealthy way of getting bronzed came to fruition. Now, in 2023, advancements in technology have allowed us to screen for skin cancer and reverse early signs of aging. However, there is still a large population of people who don't understand the importance of sunscreen for everyday use.
Sometimes, our days are unpredictable, and we end up being in the sun longer than anticipated and forget to wear sunscreen. Other times we are okay with getting sunkissed, even if only for 20 minutes, and decide to forego sunscreen. Not to put a damper on the sought-after "glow" but the reality is, there is no such thing as a safe tan. Getting into a daily habit of moisturizing with sunscreen every morning will help with these unpredictable days.
Understanding the Risks: Why UV Safety Awareness Matters
The average lifespan has increased over the years meaning the chance of developing skin cancer also increases with age. This is primarily due to the accumulation of UV rays we are exposed to throughout our life span in addition to the following factors:
Lifestyle choices, such as using tanning beds and avoiding sunscreen.
Personal and family medical history.
Having a history of blistering sunburns.
Skin type, for example, lighter-skinned individuals may be more at risk.
It's never too late to be proactive with sun protection, and because of our longer lifespans, acting now may help prevent skin cancer. Whether you have sensitive skin or simply don't like the texture, products are abundant out there for people with all skin types and preferences.
Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
We're not suggesting you sit inside all day, wrapped up in a blanket while peering through the blinds wistfully. The outdoors can still be enjoyed throughout all seasons. To ensure you are protecting your skin, consider the following:
Wear wide-brimmed hats for scalp, face, and neck protection.
Remain in the shade during the sun's strongest hours which are between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Schedule routine skin screenings.
Wear sunscreen every day--even if you don't plan on going outside. It's still possible to get sun damage even when inside a car.
Stay hydrated.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you head outside or go into your car and reapply every three hours. Broad-spectrum sunscreen should be lathered onto all areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun, even your lips.
Go on, Try It
We promise, that avoiding excessive sun exposure and adding sunscreen to your routine is not as hard as it seems. There are many benefits to protecting your skin aside from preventing skin cancer. For example, photoaging makes our skin look and feel leathery, creates fine lines, and causes collagen (the protein that makes our skin plump) to break down. Try spray tans or makeup to achieve that bronzed look, and thank yourself later.