I couldn’t resist a couple of “I-told-you-sos”. But laughs aside, sun protection is of utmost importance, as I soon learnt from some online research. Firstly, slathering on the sunblock will keep you looking younger, longer. According to an Australian research study, those who apply sunscreen every day show 24 per cent less skin ageing than those who only apply sunscreen occasionally.
In addition to keeping you youthful-looking, sunscreen is known to help slow down or prevent the development of freckles, which can only be removed by laser treatments. Fair skinned individuals who freckle easily should make the effort to apply broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 at regular intervals to protect their skin.
I was also surprised to learn that sunblock, applied to a healed wound, can also help to minimise scarring.
As I read up more on the topic, I learnt that sunscreen is particularly important in protecting against skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun, as well as from tanning machines, are known to cause genetic mutations that lead to the development of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence doubles the risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, later in life, while five sun burns by any age doubles the risk as well.
In addition, ultraviolet radiation weakens immune surveillance mechanisms, allowing cancerous cells to propagate more easily. Sunscreen can help prevent all these damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, as part of a more comprehensive sun-protection programme that includes the use of protective clothing, sunglasses, as well as sun avoidance.
To get the most out of your sunscreen’s protective benefits, it is important to apply it properly. In the course of my research, I came across an article on the American Academy of Dermatology’s website which provides pointers on how to use sunscreen correctly.
For starters, choose sunscreen that has SPF 30 or higher, is water-resistant, and provides broad-spectrum protection – which protects you from both types of ultraviolet radiation. Apply sunscreen generously before you go outdoors, as your skin will take up to 15 minutes to absorb it. Make sure you use enough sunscreen, too – most adults will need about the amount of sunscreen that can be held in the palm to protect all uncovered areas of their bodies. Finally, it is essential to re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours, or immediately after a swim.
Now that I know just how important sunscreen is, I’m not taking any risks. As much as I don’t enjoy the greasy sensation of sunscreen on my body, I’m going to make it a point to keep a tube handy wherever I go. You should, too.