The weather may be cooling off outside, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe from the sun’s damaging rays. Wearing sunscreen year-round is an essential step to protecting your skin from various types of cancers, as well as preventing premature aging.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. “Broad spectrum” means it protects against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays, or aging rays, can cause wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays cause sunburn.
It’s important to apply sunscreen every day, even if you’re not going to be in the sun. Sitting in class you can be exposed to UVA rays because they can penetrate glass windows. And don’t skip out if it’s cloudy either, ultraviolet rays are still there even if you can’t see the sun.
Another important time to wear sunscreen is during the winter. It may seem silly to wear it when it’s freezing out, but snow reflects ultraviolet light. Also, don’t forget to apply when you’re flying. The higher the altitude, the more UV rays you’re exposed to.
Make wearing sunscreen a habit by incorporating it into your morning beauty routine. It should be the first thing that goes on your face. And don’t forget to reapply later in the day. Sunscreen only lasts about two hours.
When choosing a sunscreen look for one of the following ingredients: avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which protects skin from UVA rays. There are even sunscreens designed especially for the face so it won’t clog your pores, so find one you like and stick to using it. I like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock because it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily. It also protects against UVA and UVB rays.
So stick a post-it note on your bathroom mirror, write it in your planner, or do whatever you need to remind yourself to apply sunscreen every day. The effects of wearing sunscreen aren’t immediately visible, but you’ll be thanking yourself in the decades to come.