When Out Enjoying the Sun: The Importance of Sunscreen

As humans, we all love spending some quality time under the sun. Whether it’s lounging on a beach, enjoying a picnic in the park, or going for a stroll, we enjoy the heat and light the sun provides. However, what most of us forget is the damage that the sun can potentially cause to our skin. The effects of the sun on our skin can be catastrophic – from blemishes, to wrinkles, to skin cancer. The good news is that there’s a simple solution to all of these problems – sunscreen.

Many of us tend to ignore the need for sunscreen, especially if we live in places where the sun isn’t always shining. What we fail to realize is that the sun’s damaging effects are not limited to sunny days alone. Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s harmful UV rays are still present and can penetrate through our skin, causing long-term damage.

To drive this point home, a videographer named Thomas Leveritt created a video called “How The Sun Sees You,” which shows people’s faces under ultra-violet light. The video exposes the damage that the sun can do to our skin, such as freckles, blemishes, and sunspots. What’s even more shocking is the difference that just a small amount of sunscreen can make.

The video is an eye-opener for many people who tend to ignore the importance of sunscreen. Watching it makes us realize how exposed we are when we’re out in the sun without sunscreen. It shows us the long-term effects of the sun on our skin and pushes us to take preventive measures.

Many of us also tend to forget that sunscreen isn’t just limited to the face or body; it’s important to protect our lips as well. Lips are more delicate than the rest of our skin and, as such, are more susceptible to sunburn and long-term damage. So, investing in a lip balm with sunscreen protection is just as important.

Using sunscreen isn’t just about protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays; it’s also about preventing premature aging. The sun’s rays can cause wrinkles, which can make us look older than we actually are. This is especially true for people who spend a lot of time under the sun or who live near the equator, where the sun’s intensity is stronger.

The importance of sunscreen cannot be overstated, especially when we consider the rise in skin cancer cases in recent years. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with approximately 5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year.

Taking preventive measures such as wearing long sleeves, using hats, and using sunscreen can significantly reduce the chances of getting skin cancer. Applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapplying it after every two hours, can create a protective barrier on our skin, which can help prevent skin cancer.

In conclusion, sunscreen can seem like an inconvenience, especially on a busy day out. However, the benefits of wearing sunscreen far outweigh the inconvenience. It’s important to remember that the sun’s rays can cause severe damage to our skin, even on a cloudy day. So, the next time you’re out enjoying the sun, make sure to lather on some sunscreen and protect yourself from the potentially harmful effects of the sun. Your skin will thank you for it.