The Importance of Sunscreen in Your Anti-Aging Routine

Who doesn’t love a beautiful, sunny day?  Enjoying the sun has many benefits, including vitamin D, which can improve our mood and increase our energy levels.  However, the sun’s UV rays are harmful to both our health and our skin.  Too much sun exposure increases the risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer) and contributes to premature signs of aging.  

Fortunately, wearing sunscreen is an easy and effective way to protect your skin. In this post, we will talk about sunscreen – and why it’s arguably the most important part of your anti-aging routine. Alongside daily SPF protection, exploring other treatments to defy your age can enhance your skincare strategy, helping maintain your skin’s youthfulness and vitality.

Sun Damage

As we’ve mentioned, the sun can damage our skin when unprotected.  What does this look like?

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Discolouration, blotchy patches, dark spots (hyperpigmentation)
• Loss of volume (due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin)
• Rough, uneven, “leathery” skin

The sun causes damage due to its UV radiation.  There are three types of solar radiation:

• UVB rays: These rays affect the topmost layer of skin (epidermis). They are the main cause of sunburn and play a key role in the development of skin cancer.  
• UVA rays: These rays penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the layer underneath the epidermis (dermis). UVA rays play a major part in wrinkling and premature aging and contribute to skin cancer.
• UVC rays: These rays are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and don’t usually reach our skin but can cause damage to our eyes.  Never look directly at the sun, and wear sunglasses to prevent cataracts. 

Look for a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” to ensure you’re getting full protection from the sun’s radiation. Broad spectrum sunscreens can protect against UVA and UVB rays, so it’s one of the most popular choices.

SPF

We can’t talk about sunscreen without mentioning SPF.  We’re all familiar with the term SPF, but what does it mean?  SPF stands for “sun protection factor”.  SPF measures how much UV radiation is required to produce a sunburn on protected skin, compared to the amount required on unprotected skin (no sunscreen).  

Essentially, SPF gives you an idea of how well your sunblock will protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.  Remember that this number is relative and will depend on your skin type, the time of day, the time of year, and how often your sunscreen is reapplied.  

No SPF can block out 100% of UV rays, but most dermatologists recommend daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.  If you spend much time outdoors or have very sensitive skin prone to sunburn, choose an even higher SPF.

Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

There are many sunscreens out there that can help reduce premature aging. However, you can take steps to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Here are some ways to prevent the sun from making your skin age.

Apply Sunscreen Daily

Apply sunscreen EVERY day.  Yes, even if the day is overcast.  Yes, even if it’s winter.  Yes, even if you are spending the day indoors.  The sun’s harmful rays can penetrate through clouds, even pass through glass windows, and are still present when cold outside.  Don’t skip the sunscreen!

Avoid the Sun During Peak Hours

Try to avoid peak sun hours.  The sun does the most damage during mid-day, around 10 am-2 pm.  When possible, try to avoid these peak UV times. 

Get Some Shade

Sit in the shade. When outdoors, try to enjoy a shady spot away from the sun’s direct rays. Exposing your skin to the sun for too long makes it age, so this is the ultimate form of sun protection.

Wear Clothing To Protect The Skin

Wear hats and protective clothing.  No sunscreen is perfect.  On sunny days, wear hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.  Some clothes and swimwear are even made with a built-in SPF. It will help prevent sunburn and protect against sun damage.

Put Sunscreen On Again

Reapply sunscreen frequently.  Generously apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapply at least every few hours, more if you’ll be swimming or sweating.  (Some sunscreen might be labeled “water resistant,” but remember that no sunscreen is “waterproof.”)

Apply Sunscreens To All Skin

Apply sunscreen to ALL uncovered skin – not just your face.  This includes your neck, chest, arms, or legs.  Don’t forget your lips!  Some lip balms have an SPF.  Avoid getting sunscreen in your mouth or eyes.

Know Your Skin And How to Care For It

Know your skin. Anyone can suffer from sun damage, but if you have very fair skin or are particularly prone to sunburn, you will have to be even more careful. Choose a higher SPF and follow these tips with vigilance! Additionally, understanding the differences between Botox vs dermal fillers can help you make informed choices about other treatments to complement your sun protection and address signs of aging effectively.

Most of us want to avoid outward signs of aging. Many creams, serums, and cleansers are aimed at preventing fine lines and wrinkles, but no skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, including the daily use of SPF sunblock.

Sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits behind premature aging! To further enhance your efforts, consider crafting your ideal anti-aging skincare routine, which could include long-lasting dermal fillers to maintain smoother, plumper skin as part of a comprehensive approach to aging gracefully.

Use Sunscreen To Establish An Anti-Aging Routine!

Preventing sun damage is a lot easier than reversing it. If you’ve been lax about wearing sunscreen in the past, the best time to start is now. You may even be able to improve mildly sun-damaged skin with proper care. However, if the sun has taken its toll on your skin and you’re showing signs of premature aging, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced professionals at EverYoung Medical Aesthetics.

Your aesthetic goals are our priority, and together, we can come up with the right treatment plan for you, including options like the treatment of double chin Vancouver or learning more about ultherapy as effective solutions to meet your needs.