may is skin cancer awareness month

Greetings my fellow sun lovers! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so let's talk about sunscreen! We all know that wearing sunscreen is important, but do you know why? In this post, we'll take a look at the science behind sunscreen and the benefits of wearing it.

First off, what is sunscreen? Sunscreen is a product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation and helps to prevent skin damage. UV radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer, and exposure to UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds can also cause premature aging and other skin damage. When you apply sunscreen, it creates a barrier between your skin and the sun's UV rays. The active ingredients in sunscreen work by either absorbing the UV radiation or reflecting it away from your skin.

Now, let's get into the benefits of wearing sunscreen. The most obvious benefit is that it helps to prevent skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, using sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher daily can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent and melanoma by about 50 percent. That's pretty impressive, right?

But the benefits don't stop there. Sunscreen also helps to prevent premature aging. UV radiation from the sun can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, so wearing sunscreen can help keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. Wearing sunscreen can prevent sunburn. Sunburns can be painful and can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, so it's important to avoid them as much as possible. Wearing sunscreen can help prevent sunburn by blocking UV radiation from reaching your skin.

So, how do you choose the right sunscreen? There are a few things to consider when selecting a sunscreen:

SPF: As mentioned earlier, it's recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. The higher the SPF, the more protection you'll get.

• Broad-spectrum protection: Look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.

• Water-resistant: If you'll be spending time in the water or sweating, look for a water-resistant sunscreen.

• Skin type: Consider your skin type when selecting a sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin, look for a sunscreen that's labeled for sensitive skin.

Now that you know the benefits of wearing sunscreen and how to choose the right one, it's time to start incorporating it into your daily routine. Remember to apply sunscreen generously and frequently, especially if you'll be spending time outdoors. And if you're worried about sunscreen ruining your makeup or making your skin feel oily, there are plenty of options out there that are specifically designed to be lightweight and non-greasy.

So, let's all make a commitment to protect our skin and prevent skin cancer by wearing sunscreen every day. Your future self will thank you!