Many seem to underestimate the effects of harmful UV rays on the skin until it’s too late. They’ve either developed melanoma or other skin disorder caused by overexposure to the sun. In Australia alone, melanoma was considered the third most common cancer in 2020. However, there is a way to prevent this from happening.

One way to avoid developing skin cancer is by regularly applying sunscreen. Many people practice this already but most of them only apply sunscreen when they are about to hit the beach or when they know they’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. However, this shouldn’t be the case. Here are some reasons why you need to wear sunscreen all the time.

1. Protection From UV Rays

Sunscreen protects us from the harmful rays of the sun. What most people don’t know is even if it’s cloudy, it is still important to wear sunscreen. Just because you can’t see or feel it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and won’t harm you.

The rays of the sun can still pass through the clouds and can still do damage to your skin. Even during winter, you are still exposed to UV rays. This is why it is important to wear sunscreen at all times.

2. Prevents Premature Skin Ageing

Excessive sun exposure can cause photoaging on the skin. It is the culprit in early skin ageing. Although ageing is inevitable and everyone will have fine lines and wrinkles after some time. This can be delayed by applying sunscreen regularly.

3. Lowers The Risk Of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in many countries. Thousands of people suffer from melanoma and this can be prevented or lowers your chance of suffering from skin cancer.

4. Promotes Even Skin Tone

Making it a habit to apply sunscreen will help you maintain a clear and even skin tone. Sun damage can cause discolouration and dark patches not only on your face but also on your arms.

5. Protects Skin From Sunburn

Both kids and adults should practice wearing sunscreen all the time and most especially during summer when most people are at the beach. It will lessen the chance of getting sunburned which can be very painful.

Now, the common mistake that people make is forgetting to re-apply sunscreen. They think that since they’ve applied sunscreen before leaving home, it can protect them throughout the day.

So, when and how often should you apply sunscreen? Ideally, before you leave home or go outdoors you have applied sunscreen on your body, especially the exposed parts. The face, even the ears, neck, and hands should be covered with sunscreen.

Preferably, sunscreen should be applied every couple of hours. Every two hours is acceptable. But if you are swimming or performing a lot of physical activities outdoors that leave you sweating, it is best to reapply more often.

If for everyday use, you don’t really need a lot. A thin layer for your face and body should be enough. The size of a dime should be enough to cover the entire face, and about the size of a shot glass for the entire body.

Skin protection is vital if you want to avoid the risk of getting skin cancer. Applying sunscreen at all times is the first step to prevent this from happening. So, next time you go shopping do not forget to add one to your cart.

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Nicola is always on the lookout for the best beauty tools and skincare products. She believes in "prevention is better than cure" so she is always trying to perfect her beauty routine to avoid premature aging. Fun fact about Nicola: She owns a lot of sunscreens as she carries a mini sunscreen in each of her handbags and backpacks.