Students are tasked with juggling classes, extracurriculars and social lives, but amidst their busy schedules, there is one crucial habit that they often overlook: applying sunscreen.
Sunscreen isn’t just for shielding your face from sun at the beach or the scorching summer afternoons, it is crucial beyond the summer seasons. Despite common misconceptions, harmful UV (Ultraviolet) rays don’t take a vacation, and neither should our diligence in protecting our skin.
UV radiation is confined to three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer, UVA and UVB penetrate the atmosphere which allows for varying degrees of damage upon our skin. UV radiation has very harmful effects on the skin, ranging from sunburns and premature aging to an elevated risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning even in the winter, our skin remains vulnerable to damage. This fact alone dismisses the myth that sunscreen is solely a summertime, or even just sunny day, necessity.
Sunscreen acts as a barrier against UV radiation by either absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV rays. Reputable sunscreen formulations typically incorporate active ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, or octocrylene. Active ingredients are the magic behind the formula, providing the protection factor in your sunscreen. Products within the beauty industry have created formulations of sunscreen tailored to all skin tones and types that leaves no white cast on your skin after usage.
In an era characterized by addictive media and social distractions, the application of sunscreen year-round may be easily forgettable. However, the repercussions of neglecting this aspect of self care could lead to long-term health problems.
In order to be protected year-round, invest in a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher for daily use because no one wants to suffer from the effects of letting such an easy habit, applying sunscreen, slip their mind.
