Sunscreen Benefits: Protect Your Skin from Premature Aging

Sunlight is known for its benefits which can help the natural production of vitamin D in our body. However, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause various damages to the body.

Damage caused by UV rays includes damage to the skin, eyes and immune system. In particular, skin damaged by exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer.

Therefore, protecting the skin from excessive exposure to UV rays is important. The best and easiest way is to use sunscreen.

So, we will provide information about the sunscreen benefits and share tips on choosing the best sunscreen, specifically for you!

Sunscreen Benefits

1. Prevent Premature Aging

UVA and UVB rays which reach the earth's surface are the main cause of premature aging. Symptoms of premature aging include fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.

The sun protection factor (SPF) contained in sunscreen is able to protect the skin from UV rays. This will help prevent premature aging that can occur due to UV rays.

2. Reduces The Risk of Black Spots Appearing on The Face

Melanin reacts to UV rays exposure. Dark spots or sunspots on the face could develop due to the melanin reaction which produces more pigment when exposed to sunlight.

Limiting the amount of UVA and UVB rays exposure is the only way to prevent dark spots. With SPF in sunscreen, the skin will be protected from excessive exposure to UVA and UVB rays.

3. Sunbathing Skin Protector

Some people may want to have darker skin. One way to make skin get darker is by sunbathing or tanning. However, skin that is exposed to sunlight without any protection can cause sunburn and skin cancer.

Even though it does not block UV rays 100%, sunscreen can help protect the skin by blocking the penetration of UV radiation. Thus, serious skin damage that will occur can be prevented.

4. Maintains Even Skin Tone

Just like dark spots or sunspots, exposure to UV rays can make skin tone uneven. This is a reaction of melanin to sunlight. Uneven skin color can be caused by clothes that do not cover the skin completely. So in certain parts, melanin will produce more pigment.

Sunscreen will help the skin from hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone by absorbing or reflecting UV rays.

5. Reduces Inflammation

Skin inflammation can occur due to excessive exposure to UV rays. Common inflammations include redness, itching, or swelling. With sunscreen's UV absorption or reflection technology, the skin can be protected from the effects caused by UV rays.

Tips for Choosing the Right Sunscreen

Okay! After understanding some of the benefits of sunscreen, maybe you start to think about applying sunscreen regularly from now on. However, you can't randomly use any sunscreen in the market.

There are lots of sunscreens that have spread throughout the world. There are also various types. It can be differentiated from chemicals, SPF levels, textures, and so on. Each type of sunscreen has a different effect on each skin type.

So, we will help you to find the best sunscreen for you!

1. Sunscreen for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Oily skin occurs because the glands in the skin produce excess sebum. Sebum is a substance that can maintain skin health and moisture. However, excessive sebum production can sometimes cause clogged pores and acne.

When it comes to using sunscreen, oily and acne-prone skin needs a product that won't clog pores. So, what you should do when choosing sunscreen is consider sunscreen that has an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula.

Usually sunscreen with these two formulas has a light consistency and is easily absorbed into the skin, so it can prevent clogged pores when using sunscreen.

Other than that, there are also ingredients in sunscreen that need to be avoided because these ingredients have the potential to be irritants and comedogenic. Especially for those of you who have acne-prone skin.

The following ingredients need to be avoided:

• Oxybenzone is an ingredient that can protect the skin from UV rays. However, oxybenzone can cause allergies or irritation and can make the eyes feel sore.
• Acrylates can form a layer on the skin that has the potential to trap bacteria and sweat, causing clogged pores.
• Parabens and Phthalates which are commonly used to stabilize fragrance and preserve can trigger allergies and hormonal disruption.
• Denatured Alcohol, which is usually used to dissolve sunscreen, can cause the skin to become drier, then cause increased oil production.
• Coconut Oil, which functions as a moisturizer, has the potential to clog pores.

2. Sunscreen for Dry and Sensitive Skin

The common problem by those with dry skin is skin dehydration which can cause the skin to redness, cracking, and itching. In fact, if the problem of dry skin gets worse, dermatitis can occur.

So that dry skin problems don't get worse, consider a sunscreen that provides a hydrating formula. Here are some formulas to consider:

Water-based formula. Sunscreen with this formula tends to have a light texture that is easily absorbed by the skin and provides a hydrating effect.

Cream or lotion-based formula. Sunscreen with this formula usually contains moisturizers, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E.

Mineral-based formula. The way mineral-based works is by blocking or reflecting UV rays so that they are not absorbed by the skin. Sunscreen with this formula is more suitable for people with sensitive skin. In addition, the active ingredients in mineral sunscreen, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, rarely trigger allergies.

Fragrance-free formula. Usually fragrance is used to make sunscreen more attractive. However, fragranced sunscreens may contain coumarin, linalool, and synthetic musk which can cause allergies.

The product from L'Occitane that is most suitable for those of you who have dry and sensitive skin is Reine Blanche - Illuminating UV Shield SPF50.

Illuminating UV Shield is a water-based sunscreen that contains glycerin and titanium dioxide. The glycerin contained in this product can help hydrate your skin. And the titanium dioxide content will not trigger allergies on your skin.

3. Sunscreen for Normal Skin

People with normal skin types may rarely experience skin problems. However, that doesn't mean you can use just any product. because this could disrupt the skin's balance.

To choose sunscreen, broad-spectrum sunscreen can be an option for those with normal skin. This sunscreen will provide maximum protection from exposure to UVA and UVB rays.

4. Sunscreen for Combination Skin

Contrast to normal skin. Combination skin quite often experiences various skin problems, because combination skin can be said to be a combination of dry and oily skin.

Combination skin types need products with formulas that can hydrate without making them greasy. You can consider sunscreen with a gel or water-based formula.

Apart from that, you can also consider non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic formulas to prevent products that can clog pores and cause irritation or allergies.

So, those are various tips that can help you in choosing sunscreen, definitely according to your skin type!

There is one more thing you need to pay attention to. This is recommended by many dermatologists so that your skin can be maximally protected. Choose sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Hopefully this article can be useful for you and help you maintain the health of your skin!