The last thing anyone wants to feel after a nice sunny day is the feeling of irritated, red, and stinging skin. There is an easy solution, one that has long been prescribed by dermatologists and now, TikTok’s “skinfluencers” — Sunscreen.
Most people understand the importance of using sun protection, but many people skip this important step. One study found that only 13.5% of Americans apply sunscreen daily.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone use a sunscreen that contains Broad-Spectrum Protection and SPF 30 or higher. This is important because sunscreen protects your skin from skin cancer, sunburns, premature aging, and age spots. They also recommend that people use sunscreen all year round (even here in Seattle). Another thing that people tend to forget is that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours to maximize protection from harmful UV rays.
With all this information and the critical consequences, why do so many people not take this measure to protect themselves? “It feels icky on my skin,” a Skyline junior remarked when prompted with this question. This seems to be one of the more common reasons mentioned. One thing that could prevent this barrier is to understand that not all sunscreens are created equally.
Mineral sunscreens contain Zinc Oxide and Titanium dioxide; both active ingredients are safe for topical use and increase the SPF of the product, but they are heavier chemicals and can feel a bit uncomfortable on skin. Non-Mineral sunscreens or chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that convert UV rays into heat and release heat. Non-Mineral sunscreens tend to have lighter formulas that are more comfortable for everyday use.
Applying sunscreen is an important preventative measure. While there are limitations that may stop people from using it, such as cost, comfort, or personal beliefs, it is still something to take seriously, especially during the summer months.
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