Reasons why wearing sunscreen is non-negotiable
Many of us have heard the word SPF, but do we actually know what it stands for? To the many that does, here is our hat off to you, and just for those that do not, SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor, and it protects the skin from UV rays, of which there are two types: UVA and UVB.
Many of us are more than happy to slather SPF all over our body; from head to toe during the summer – when the sun is shining bright like a diamond, but as soon as the sun goes away, the story changes, with many people confessing that they do not wear sunscreen when it is not sunny.
We attribute sunny days to wearing sunscreen, but on cloudy dull days we are more than happy to go without any sunscreen, when really, we should be wearing sunscreen 7 days a week, 365 days a year, regardless of what the weather is saying, so when we say non-negotiable, we mean NON-NEGOTIABLE, come rain, come shine, wearing sunscreen is necessary.
It is important that we wear sunscreen even on cloudy days because UV rays can penetrate the clouds and cause major skin damage and while there is less UVB during the winter period, UVA which causes premature ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer are potent all year-round, so if there are any reasons to wear SPF daily, these are good enough reasons for us to slather on our SPF.
Most of us long to bask in the lovely warm sun, sometimes without knowing that sun can be a major determinant in the state of our skin, not only can we get sunburnt if we are outside in the sun without taking precautions (such as covering up with a hat and clothing), it also contributes to skin getting heavily damaged and also in the development of dark spot which is sometimes referred to as sun spots.
Sunscreen is a product everyone should be wearing regardless of skin tone and skin type (Yes! Even people with naturally darker skin tone need to wear sunscreen every single day to protect their skin), and thankfully sunscreen formulations have come a long way with a whole array of different formulations to suit different skin tones and different skin types, with majority of the formulation been lightweight and able to moisturise the skin without leaving the dreaded white cast behind, some of our tired and trusted favourites are: bestseller Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 + PA ++++ - we love this because of how effortless it is to blend into the skin and also because of how moisturising it feels on our skin, COSRX Aloe Soothing SPF50 PA+++ - we love this because of how hydrated this feels on the skin, and also because there is no greasy feeling once its on.
Sunscreen for the face and the body often differ in formulas, so we advise that the usage instructions for each SPF is checked prior to its use, for example, in sunscreen formulated for the face, the manufacturers consider that makeup might be worn over the sunscreen, they are therefore most likely to be lighter and fast absorbing than SPF for the body.
We recommend that everyone wears at least sun protection with factor 30 or above and SPF should be applied to the skin prior to exposure to the sun and re-applied generously regularly. When choosing SPF, always bear in mind that the higher the sun protection factor, the better protection this will give.
So, remember, be it going out for work, for pleasure or working from home and sitting near a window or wherever the light from outside can penetrate in, you need to be re applying sunscreen regularly and your skin will be grateful for it.
QUICK TAKE HOME
- Wear SPF daily
- Higher SPF equals high level of protection
- Re-apply sunscreen regularly
- UVB causes sunburns and UVA causes premature skin ageing and increases risk of skin cancer
- Look after your skin and your skin will look after you later in life.
