What is SPF?
Summer is right around the corner and you’re probably going to be out in the sun slathering yourself with sunscreen, but did you know that sunscreen is protecting you from more than a sunburn? Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, protects your skin from skin cancer and premature aging. “How does SPF even work?” you may be asking. Well, two types of sunscreens protect your skin from the sun in two different ways. These are categorized as mineral and chemical sunscreens.
Mineral- This sunscreen contains zinc oxide or titanium oxide. It works to protect the skin by acting like a physical barrier between the sun and your skin. The physical barrier is a broad-spectrum filter that reflects and blocks UV rays.
Chemical- This sunscreen contains oxybenzone and avobenzone. It works by absorbing the sun’s UV rays and converting them into heat, releasing them from the body.
Why Use Sunscreen?
For sunscreen to be effective, it needs to be worn daily. You’re probably wondering why you would take extra time putting on sunscreen in the morning. First, think about the benefits if you start wearing sunscreen. SPF prevents photoaging like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Most importantly it prevents skin cancer in the future.
Skin Cancer and The Importance of Preventing it.
Skin cancer can develop when the sun’s UV ray damages the skin cells. This damage can happen in your early years and then eventually catch up to you when you get older. There are 3 main types of skin cancers: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. According to ncbi.nlm.nih.com, “80 000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year”. It is important to see a skin doctor such as a dermatologist when you see changes in your skin. When skin cancer is too late to catch, the cancer will spread internally. The symptoms like skin infections and nerve damage occur while having skin cancer.
Conclusion
Sunscreens are very accessible in stores and online. Take a moment out of the day and apply SPF every 2 hours to have that assurance of skin protection. Tell and let loved ones know about the wonders and importance of sunscreen.
