Should you use sunscreen year round?
It is important to use sunscreen year-round to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and reach your skin, so it is important to use sunscreen on a daily basis, regardless of the weather. In addition, using sunscreen can help to prevent sunburn, which can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and pain. Sunburn can also increase your risk of skin cancer. By using sunscreen on a daily basis, you can help to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
There are a few things to consider when selecting a sunscreen:
- SPF: Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will provide strong protection against UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn.
- Broad-spectrum: Make sure the sunscreen is labeled as “broad-spectrum,” which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the main cause of skin aging, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn.
- Water-resistant: If you’ll be sweating or swimming, look for a sunscreen that is labeled as “water-resistant” so that it won’t wash off easily.
- Ingredients: Avoid sunscreens that contain harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can have negative effects on the environment and human health. Instead, look for sunscreens with physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide good protection without posing any known risks.
- Reapplication: It’s important to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Choose a sunscreen that is easy to apply and rubs in well, so that it is more likely to be used consistently