SPF: The Most Important Form of Skincare

At ZZ Day Spa we know how important glowing and healthy skin is not only for a confidence boost but to keep your skin in its best condition.  As the warmer, sunnier months approach, we can’t forget the importance of using SPF on the face and body. SPF protects the skin from harmful UV rays the sun produces, and prevents sunburn. It may feel tedious to add another step into your skincare routine, but SPF is the most important product to use to protect your skin and keep it looking fresh. We’re going to go over some of the main reasons why protecting your skin using SPF is important, just in time for the spring and summer weather ahead!

Anti-Aging

One of the easiest ways to age your skin is by exposing it to UV rays without protection. There have been numerous studies that have found groundbreaking evidence that SPF protection can prevent aging and wrinkles. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen daily for noticeably youthful skin.

“According to one groundbreaking study, people who use broad-spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis experience 24 percent less skin aging than those who use sunscreen only intermittently. The study, published in the influential Annals of Internal Medicine, followed more than 900 people over a four year period. It found that even participants who started daily sunscreen applications in their 40s and 50s showed reduced signs of skin aging” (Scripps).

Skin-Cancer Prevention

It is well known that exposure to the sun’s rays can pose the risk of skin cancer. Make sure that your sunscreen has a high SPF so that your skin stays fully protected, at least 15 as per CDC recommendations. 

“Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent” (Skin Cancer Foundation). 

Sunburn

I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences when we forget to apply sunscreen, especially during the swimming season. Sunburn is not only painful, itchy, and hot to the touch, but can also cause permanent damage to the skin. Sunburn accelerates the skin’s aging process, and this damage can build up over time if you’re continuously ignoring the issue. Remember, it does not have to be sunny outside for you to get burnt, so daily application is key. 

Our Recommendations
There are hundreds of sunscreens available on the market from lotion, to spray, to powder, and more, and tons of different brands that create them. It’s up to you which method you use, but lotion seems to be the most effective. Please be sure to do a patch test when trying any new product to avoid reactions and make sure the product works well with your skin. If you don’t know where to get started, check out Healthline’s “14 Best Facial Sunscreens for All Skin Types” by clicking here.