Why You Should Wear Sunscreen All Year Round

Does your daily skincare routine include sunscreen? If your answer is no, then it's pretty sad! It would help if you immediately changed your ways. Sunscreen is not just for summer- It is for all the seasons (summer, winter, autumn, and every other typical day of the year).

Almost all of us take the sunscreen for granted. Just because it has the word 'sun' in its name, it does not mean that is only made for the summer season. It is a MYTH!

Never believe anyone who tells you to wear sunscreen only in summers. They are either not you're well-wishers or aren't fully aware of sunscreen and its benefits.

Sunscreen is an all year product. It means that a sunscreen can be used on any day and at any time of the year. There is no specific season and no particular time.

Your daily skincare routine must include applying sunscreen because it does not only prevents you from the harmful sun (UV) rays but does a lot more to your skin. And that is why sunscreen is the hidden gem of your daily routine.

Many of us are unaware of how miraculous sunscreen can be for your skin. That is why today, we will be uncovering every little detail (benefits, uses, importance, and much more) about sunscreens.

So let's begin! 

What is sunscreen? 

Many of us know of sunscreen as the magical product which protects our skin against harmful and evil sun rays. But that's not all.

If you go by the definition of Wikipedia, then sunscreen is a lotion that blocks the harmful UV rays for your skin and protects your skin against them.

Even the researchers say that the sunscreens are the blessings that save you from the harmful UV rays. 

Why should you always apply sunscreen?

No matter if it is a cold day, a sunny day, a rainy day, or a typical spring day, you must always apply sunscreen because it will protect your skin against all pollutants and UV rays in your vicinity.

If you think that UV rays are only there on a hot summer day, you are very wrong. UV rays are always in the environment. Even on a cold winter day, there are UV rays in the atmosphere.

Applying sunscreen will do a lot for your skin rather than a standard UV protection.

Here is the entire list of the benefits of sunscreen. 

Benefits of applying sunscreen

1) Protection from UV rays!

As we all know about the global phenomenon of ozone layer depletion, you must understand that due to the constant/rapid depletion of the ozone layer, humans are now more exposed to direct UV rays (sun rays). And that why sunscreen holds a crucial position in today's time. It offers you the utmost protection from the harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer and other severe skin related diseases. 

2) Say 'NO' to Premature Ageing!

Sunscreen not only prevents your skin from damaging but even prevents it from premature aging. Now you must be thinking from where did the aging factor come in the picture.

To answer your query, I must tell you that sun rays tend to make your skin age. This is called photoaging.

So, if you still want your skin to retain that youthful, fresh look, do not forget to wear sunscreen next time. 

3) Get an Even Skin Tone!

Besides protection, sunscreen application also gives you an even tone skin.

All your blemishes and marks and dark spots will heal with regular sunscreen use, and you will have a highly nourished and smooth skin.

4) Protection against skin diseases! 

As a sunscreen protects you from UV rays, it lowers your risks of getting skin related diseases like skin cancer and much more. 

The things to remember while applying sunscreen

Just like you get the instructions for other skin products like which shade of foundation suits you and what is the correct way to apply a concealer, similarly, there are some specific things that you must know before starting using sunscreen.

1) It is always better to get a sunscreen with SPF 30! 

Broad-spectrum sunscreens are always right. And that is why it is still advisable to get a sunscreen with a skin protection factor 30.

The reason behind this is that broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you against a wide variety of UV rays. 

2) There is no such thing as 'waterproof' sunscreen! 

As per dermatologists of the FDA, there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. You can look for a water-resistant sunscreen but not a waterproof sunscreen.  

3) Apply it before you step outside! 

It is always good to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before. The reason for this is that you must give the sunscreen time to settle on your skin. Besides, if you are out in the sun for a long time, then you must keep reapplying your sunscreen over and over again, as the UV rays tend to degrade the sunscreen and make it less effective. 

4) More is More! 

When it comes to sunscreen, a little ounce of it will not protect you enough. How can you even expect a small drop of sunscreen to help you fight with the harmful UV rays all day long? So do not hesitate to use more than a drop.

Also, apply sunscreen on the face and at all those body parts exposed to the sun. No matter if they are your hands, legs, or arms, use it anywhere possible. 

Thus, the next time you step out of your house, do not forget to cover your hands, legs, arms, and face in a fair amount of sunscreen. 

FAQs about Sunscreen- Sunscreen, not just for summer! 

1) Should I apply sunscreen even if I do not go outside? 

The correct answer to this commonly asked question is a big YES!

No matter if it is inside your house or outdoors, you are always surrounded by UV rays. Thus, if you genuinely want to protect your skin and lower your skin cancer chances, you must wear sunscreen indoors. 

2) What can I use if I have no sunscreen?

Even though nothing can ever be as effective as a sunscreen for protecting your skin, there are still some alternatives to sunscreen that can help you protect your skin to a significant extent. The best two alternatives are shea butter and aloe vera gel. 

3) Can I leave the sunscreen overnight? 

The effectiveness of sunscreen is reduced with its exposure to the sun. So by the time it is night, your sunscreen will no longer be effective.

Even though it will not be useful, you must wash your face before sleeping. This will help you to minimize the chances of pore blockage.