Why You Need to Wear Sunscreen Every Day

Some people think they only need sunscreen when they are going to the beach or are going to be exposed to the sun for a long period of time.  Other people know they should be wearing sunscreen every day, but they don’t. Many people only have their sunscreen handy during the summer months, but you need to wear sunscreen every day whether it’s sunny or cloudy. It is really important to remember to wear your sunscreen every day or you may be putting your skin at risk.

Ultraviolet rays are always present, and they are the cause of sun damage and skin cancer.

UV radiation is part of the natural energy produced by the sun. On the electromagnetic spectrum, UV light has shorter wavelengths than visible light, so your eyes can’t see UV, but your skin can feel it. Tanning beds also emit UV radiation.

• Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin aging.
• Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning.
• Blue light from smart devices, computers, and TVs

While UVA and UVB rays differ in how they affect the skin, they both do harm. Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer (as well as premature aging.) These rays can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancers.

What is at stake? 

UV radiation is a proven cause of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which often appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. Fortunately, when discovered early enough, these common forms of skin cancer are almost always curable.

UV exposure that leads to sunburn has proven to play a strong role in developing melanoma, the most dangerous of the three most common types of skin cancer. Research shows that the UV rays that damage skin can also alter a gene that suppresses tumors, raising the risk of sun-damaged skin cells developing into skin cancer.

Why should I use sunscreen?

The good news is that the danger posed by UV radiation can be greatly reduced by you! Yes, you can still enjoy outdoor activities while limiting your skin cancer risk by taking simple, smart protective measures.

Sunscreen is an important part of a complete sun protection strategy.

When used as directed, sunscreen is proven to:

• Decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin precancers. Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.
• Help prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging, and age spots.

Keep in mind that while crucial, sunscreen alone is not enough. Seek the shade whenever possible, and wear sun-safe clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses, for a complete sun protection strategy.

Do you need to wear sunscreen indoors?

Not all windows are treated with protection from the sun's harsh rays. And don’t think that a gloomy winter day or summer thunderstorms are reasons to get lax about applying sunscreen indoors.

The board-certified dermatologist says it is “crucial” to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen while indoors all year long. "UVA light causes premature skin aging by breaking down collagen and elastic tissue, contributing to the formation of skin cancers. It does not cause tanning, so you may be unaware of how much UVA exposure you are getting."

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation