Sunscreen: The Most Important Part of Your Skincare Routine

By: LEILA ROCHA

Although washing your face, treating problem areas, exfoliating, and moisturizing are essentials to an amazing skincare routine, the most important part of your routine is sunscreen. After all, what’s the point of treating your skin if you’re going to go out in the sun without protection afterward and cause unnecessary damage. The right sunscreen for you will prevent skin cancer, aid in the prevention of premature aging, and prevent sunburn.

You’ve probably heard that too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer when you get older. But it can be prevented with the help of sunscreen. “You should wear sunscreen every day because when you are outside, you are constantly being exposed to UV radiation. UV radiation even penetrates through the clouds,” says Katie Manno, Dermatologist, MD in an interview with Chicago Tribune. She also said that if you don’t wear sunscreen then “You’re going to accumulate damage in the skin, which can lead to developing cancerous lesions later in life.” 

Sunscreen also has the ability to aid in the prevention of premature aging (skin texture, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, etc) as well as sunburn. The kind of sunscreen that will protect you from sunburn will say“SPF” (Sun Protection Factor). This sunscreen blocks out UVB rays that can result in sunburn if exposed for too long. Sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” blocks out both UVB rays and UVA rays. Too much exposure to UVA rays can result in premature aging. 

Therefore, sunscreen is the most important part of your skincare routine due to the protection it provides.There are different types of sunscreens to choose from with different ingredients.The type that’s best for you will depend on your individual skin type. So make sure to wear sunscreen every single day and limit your overall sun exposure as best you can. Your skin will thank you later.