What Happens When You Don’t Wear Sunscreen?

You have probably left your house countless times without sunscreen. Most likely, the most you walked away with after a day spent in the sun is a painful sunburn. As the effects of sun damage can take years to present themselves, many people overlook the importance of applying sunscreen each time they go outdoors. Here we will talk about why sunscreen is so important and what happens to your skin when it is exposed to UV rays over a period of time. 

Effects of UV Rays on the Skin

Exposure to sunlight without protection for just a few moments may not seem like a big deal. However, these moments can add up and damage can occur to your skin even after a short amount of time. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, affecting millions of people each year. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of people actually use sunscreen which puts them at risk for skin cancer and other skin concerns.

Premature aging of the skin is one of the biggest effects that not wearing sunscreen can cause. When you expose your skin to UV rays, the cells in the epidermis layer of skin push to the top, causing the skin to thicken. This can cause the skin to take on a leathery feel. In addition, the cells in the epidermis cause the skin to develop a darker color due to melanocytes. When these signs start to become visible, skin damage has already occurred. 

You may also start to see other signs of skin damage early on, such as the development of freckles or moles. The more that you allow your skin to go unprotected in the sun, the more spots you’ll see on your skin. Freckles and moles develop when melanocyte cells clump together. People with fair skin are more likely to develop these spots than people with naturally darker skin tones.

The more time that you spend in the sun, the earlier that your skin will start showing signs of aging. Visible signs of aging caused by sun damage include skin laxity, wrinkles, discoloration, uneven skin tone, age spots, and rough skin texture. The good news is you can keep your skin looking younger, longer, simply by applying sunscreen before going outdoors. 

Choosing a Quality Sunscreen

The right sunscreen can block both UVA and UVB rays and provide adequate protection for your skin when you’re out in the sun. When shopping for sunscreen, opt for a broad-spectrum product like the Sheer Defense Tinted SPF 46 with Broad-Spectrum, by Dr. Sylvia Skin Care. The antioxidant rich formula is oil free and contains soothing ingredients designed to nourish skin and reduce redness and blotchiness. The sunscreen is also tinted with a universal tint that is designed to match most skin types.

Want to know more about the importance of wearing sunscreen or how Sheer Defense Tinted SPF 46 can protect your skin? Contact Dr. Sylvia Ramirez of the Cutis Laser Clinics today.