SPF – Your New BFF!

It’s a misconception that you only need sunscreen when going outside, playing at the beach or being exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. In addition, many people only wear sunscreen during the summer months, but the reality is wearing sunscreen year-round whether it’s sunny or cloudy helps to protect the skin and prevent sun damage.

Ultraviolet rays are always present if you are outdoors and they are the main cause of sun damage and skin cancer. Ultraviolet rays are not blocked by the clouds, like most people think, so even if the sun isn’t visible, you’re still being exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen will block these harmful rays and reduce your chances of getting a sunburn.

Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30+ or higher for the best protection. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect you from UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all areas of skin that are exposed, not just your face!

Aging and wrinkles can be caused by excessive sun exposure. Years of sun damage will cause you to get more wrinkles and make you look older than you actually are. Wearing sunscreen daily saves you from years of visible damage and keeps your skin looking young & healthy!

The damaging effects of a sunburn don’t completely go away once the redness fades. The ultraviolet rays will penetrate deep into the skin layers, where cells can be damaged and possibly even killed.

A sunburn is your skin’s reaction to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. You can see sunlight and feel heat, but you can’t see or feel the UV radiation from the sun. The long term effects of a sunburn won’t just leave you with wrinkles, but also the risk of skin cancer. This includes melanoma, which is the most dangerous and deadly type of skin cancer, yet the most preventable.

Hopefully, now you understand the importance of wearing sunscreen year-round! Protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays should always be a top priority. It may seem like an inconvenience or burden to worry about sun exposure daily, but in the long run it will all be worth it. Make SPF your New BFF! Go enjoy the outdoors, but don’t forget your sunscreen!