Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen is not only adopted and applied for its aesthetics, but for its life-saving capabilities too. Experts agree that there is scientific evidence to show that applying sunscreen not only slows down but even reverses the effects of aging. So how does sunscreen reverse aging and save lives. Read on to find out the importance of applying sunscreen on your skin.

Sunscreen and Early Aging

According to a study from the Journal of Dermatological Surgery, sunscreen does not just stop at protecting you from early aging. Additionally, it is also capable of reversing some of the common signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Early aging

You must have at some point bumped into someone whose age doesn't really match their appearance. With a little more inspection, you may realize that it has something to do with their skin tone and texture. It can be confusing because it usually reflects that of a person older than they are. Early aging, also known as photo-aging, happens when UV rays from the sun penetrate the skin and cause cellular and structural damage. It is a dreaded phenomenon, so in case you need to be crystal clear, early aging is characterized by:

• Wrinkling
• Uneven tone
• Rough texture
• Spider veins
• Dark uneven spots

Mechanism of action

Without being entangled in complex biochemical terms, the fundamental action of sunscreen is to prevent the effects of UV rays produced by the sun from reaching the skin. This is achieved by either blocking, absorbing, or reflecting them as they try to interact with the skin. Furthermore, there are two classes of sunscreen, based on the mechanisms they employ in dealing with UV rays.

• Chemical sunscreens act by absorbing UV rays before they reach the skin and converting them into energy through a chemical reaction. This means they are lighter and more soluble, for easy absorption.
• Physical sunscreens, also known as natural or mineral sunscreens, work by reflecting ultraviolet rays away from the skin's surface. They are thicker, heavier, and rougher than chemical ones, based on their mechanism of action.

While there are two classes of UV rays (UVA and UVB), the beauty of modern sunscreens is that they are broad-spectrum, and both chemical and physical types work well against both rays.

Sunscreen Can Save Your Life

If you’ve ever thought of the extremes of UV rays, then cancer of the skin must have crossed your mind. Cancer is deadly, and skin cancer is no exception. Experts concur that when it comes to any disease, prevention is always better than cure. Moreover, when it comes to cancer, the earlier you detect and treat it, the better.

Sunscreen and Skin Cancer

According to the skincare foundation, regular and proper use of sunscreen greatly reduces your chances of contracting skin cancer. Based on their study, the risk of contracting Squamous Cell Carcinoma reduces by 40% and that of contacting Melanoma drops by 50%. This is because you follow the best practices when applying sunscreen.

Not using sunscreen, therefore, increases your vulnerability to skin cancer, which can potentially be fatal.So yes. Sunscreen can save your life! 

Mechanism of action

A study in the UK found that about 86% of melanoma (skin cancer) is associated with UV rays. Both UVA and UVB rays are capable of causing skin cancer since they both damage skin cells and alter their genetic makeup. Broad spectrum sunscreens (either physical or chemical) are therefore ideal to use since they protect against both classes of UV rays.

Best Practices To Optimize The Benefits

Besides the good job done by scientists and manufacturers to deliver high-efficacy sunscreen products into the market, it behooves the final consumers to ensure that they use them prudently to get the maximum results possible out of this wonder product. Below are some tips and sneaky tricks to help you navigate the sunscreen world.

• Use one with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 and above. SPF is simply the measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen by comparing the duration of reddening of the skin in the presence of sunscreen versus in its absence.
• Apply to all bare skin. Remember that every part of your body that comes into direct contact with the sunlight is susceptible to photodamage. So as you go about your adventures, be aware of where to apply based on that fact.
• Apply consistently. Just like achieving that flat tummy, reaping the benefits of sunscreen demands consistency. Whether you’re seeking to combat cancer or photo-aging, consistency is the secret.
• Apply enough. Make sure you get the quantity right. Applying too much is wasteful, and too little suppresses its effectiveness. A shot glassful, which is equivalent to 2 milligrams per centimeter square of skin, is ideal to achieve the SPF indicated on the label.
• Look for water-resistant, sweat-resistant (if possible), and broad spectrum to ensure it covers all types of UV rays and is not easily washed away either during swimming or in case you start sweating.
• Get the frequency of application right. This depends on the nature of your activities, i.e. whether they are vigorous or not. Ideally, if you’re engaging in vigorous activities like swimming or working out, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours. However, for mild activities, you may not need a second application.

Final thoughts

Hopefully, it is now evident that sunscreen can actually save your life. Today's sunscreens protect you from early aging, and even go so far as to reverse the signs of aging. With just one product, you can now comfortably go out during summer and have a good time, without worrying about UV rays harming your skin. Finally, the secret to reaping its benefits lies in using it right. All hail sunscreen! The greatest invention in skincare.