As much as we wish that the sun would stop its incessant shining, we still want to be outdoors when warm weather comes around. And that is why the global industry for suncare products made $13.85 billion this year. If you’re still doubtful about the effects of not wearing sunscreen, then you should read this article carefully. Without the proper use of sunscreen while out and about, you can suffer from some seriously dire consequences like the ones listed below.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about the devastating effects of not wearing sunscreen.
1. Skin Cancer
Not wearing sunscreen when it is sunny outside is one of the most common causes of skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays from the sun, whether it is cloudy or sunny, can reach and damage the skin.
Melanoma, the most dangerous kind of skin cancer, is estimated to affect 1 in every 50 people and can be fatal. Though other culturally determined factors can lead to skin cancer, most can be attributed to inadequate protection from the sun. Wearing sunscreen not only provides physical protection from sun damage but also defense against cancerous growths.
A key component for staying safe from skin cancer is proper and frequent application of a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Thus, knowing the benefits of sunscreen and practicing good sun safety habits can help in preventing skin cancer.
2. Sunburns
Sunburns occur when skin is overexposed to intense levels of UV radiation from the sun. It can cause pain, redness, inflammation, peeling, and blistering of the skin. The skin might flake off in severe cases, leading to infection and scarring.
Sunscreen helps to protect our skin from sunburns and other damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is important to choose a product that is right for your skin type, reapply as needed, and wear protective clothing when exposing yourself to the sun.
3. Wrinkles
Unprotected exposure to direct sunlight over long periods of time has been shown to increase the likelihood of developing wrinkles. Ultraviolet radiation breaks down the collagen and elastin networks in our skin, which are both important components in keeping skin looking and feeling young. Additionally, because unprotected skin gets sunburned more easily, it also causes the skin to appear aged.
Without proper protection, the skin is vulnerable, and lines and wrinkles will start to appear. A high-SPF sunscreen helps to block out harmful rays and is especially important if you are going to be outside in direct sunlight. Make sure to apply sunscreen often and properly, as every little bit helps.
4. Dry Skin
Many people don’t understand the importance of using sunscreen to protect their skin. Without sunscreen, your skin is left unprotected from the sun’s rays, leading to damaging effects. One of the most common and visible effects of not using sunscreen is dry skin.
UV rays strip the skin of its moisture, leaving it feeling rough, tight, itchy, and flaky. It can also cause irritation and clogged pores. To prevent dry skin, make sure you apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin before going outside. Reapply every two hours or more often if you are swimming or perspiring.
5. Skin Discoloration
Skin discoloration occurs when an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, appears as spots, blotches, or patches on the skin. The sun can darken existing blemishes and age spots, but most importantly, the sun can cause people with fair skin to develop areas of discoloration that they have never had before.
Additionally, people with darker skin can become more prone to hyperpigmentation which can make any discolorations visibly more apparent. Sunscreen acts as a barrier between the skin and ultraviolet rays, ultimately protecting your skin from damage and discoloration. Therefore, the lack of protection can lead to bigger and more devastating skin issues in the long run.
6. Scarring
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun causes an inflammatory response in the skin, in which suppressor cells arise to deal with the increased amount of free radical damage. As a result, skin cells become damaged and are replaced with fibrous scars. Since scar tissue does not contain the same amount of melanin as normal skin, the area affected can be easily noticeable and can cause uneven pigmentation.
Additionally, any inflamed lesions on the skin can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, contributing further to scarring. Thus, it is important to t is important to use quality sunscreen and cover exposed skin when in the sun. For the best advice and recommendations for your skincare solutions, it is always wise to consult a skin specialist near me.
7. Weaker Immune System
A weaker immune system is a common effect due to prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can damage the body’s natural defense mechanisms as it can cause damage to the skin cells.
The DNA of these cells becomes damaged, leading to a greater risk of mutations known as cancers. This weakened condition of the immune system can lead to greater vulnerability to diseases such as the common cold or an infection.
As well as reducing a person’s ability to create antibodies quickly or efficiently, an impaired immune system can reduce the body’s ability to clear infections and can leave the body more susceptible to diseases. Sunscreen provides a physical barrier that protects our bodies from the sun’s UV rays, which helps to protect the skin cells from damage and boosts the immune system’s ability to defend the body.
Knowing the Effects of Not Wearing Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen should be a normal part of our everyday skincare routine. Without it, we are at risk of developing skin cancer, premature aging, sunburns, and other nasty long-term effects.
Take the time to give your skin the love it deserves, and always remember to apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Protect yourself now from the effects of not wearing sunscreen and maximize your skin’s health for the future! If you enjoyed this article, check out my blog for more beauty and style tips.