Sunscreen 365 Days a Year

Why is it that we don't wear sunscreen every day even though the sun's rays affect us daily? It's obvious that sun care sales sky rocket in the summer but, since working in cosmetics, I have learned wearing sunscreen is pivotal year round - especially on the face. Of course everyone runs to the sunscreen section as soon as the heat rises, beaches become available and patios open up, but wearing sunscreen everyday has a multitude of benefits.

The most obvious reason and benefit of wearing sunscreen 365 days a year on your face or body is that you will stay protected from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. Skin can still get sun damage from UVA and UVB rays on overcast days and when the sun reflects off of snow banks (which is why you should also wear sunglasses year round), not only in the summertime. Sun damage can lead to a wide variety of skin concerns which is why it is crucial to stay protected.

What most people don't realize is how the sun speeds up the aging process. The harmful rays of the sun damage the skin and as we age, the skin will have a larger amount of deep wrinkles, more discolouration and even dullness. Adding a fluid, daily sun care and drinking lots of water is just as crucial to reduce the affects of aging as using a moisturizer is. Using a mineral based sunscreen is even BETTER for your face because it uses only Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as it's UVA and UVB protectants. Mineral sunscreens produce physical barriers over your skin, whereas a non-mineral based one will penetrate with harmful chemicals. I have a friend (shout out Jill) who has been using sun screen as part of her everyday routine for years and looks about 5-7 years younger than her age, which will remain unlisted, so the proof is in the pudding.

Any amount of sun protection, year round, is beneficial for your skin health. Be it in terms of aging, protecting from skin cancer or harmful rays - sunscreen should be part of your daily routine year round, not just from May to September.

Stay sun safe loves,

Cropberry