5 Reasons You Should Wear Sunscreen Every Day

Everyone knows the importance of wearing sunscreen. In Australia, it’s particularly important during the summer months when the harsh Australian sun is at its strongest.

As children, many of us learned the hard way, emerging from a weekend of fun in the sun looking like sad, tiny lobsters.

Sure, depending on what era you went to school in, you probably learned the importance of ‘slip, slop, slap’ to join the playground fun. But you likely weren’t taught all the lesson about how important sunscreen is and why you and your family should wear sunscreen every day.

Sunscreen plays many roles in ensuring your skin stays healthy and looks good.

So, why should you wear sunscreen every single day?

1. The obvious: Sunscreen helps you not to get sunburnt. And this is actually a biggie, especially for the little people in our lives. It hurts and it looks pretty bad. Plus, depending on the severity of the burn, you can experience extreme effects like blistering and peeling. A quick application of sunscreen before heading outdoors can save a whole lot of pain.

2. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancers. Skin cancers (both melanoma and non-melanoma) account for the largest number of cancers diagnosed in Australia every year. UV radiation from the sun is the top risk factor causing these skin cancers. Daily sunscreen application is critical in maintaining healthy skin and reducing the likelihood of cancer.

3. Sunscreen reduces the severity of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is when your skin appears to have darker patches due to changes in melanin production (that which gives skin its colour). With daily sunscreen use you can combat the effects of hyperpigmentation. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re expecting to be outdoors or even mostly indoors. Remember: sunscreen is not just for light-skinned people either; people with darker skin are actually more at risk of developing hyperpigmentation.

4. Sunscreen lowers the effects of sun sensitivity. Exposure to the sun’s rays can worsen the effects of people with skin conditions such as lupus and rosacea. When sufferers spend time unprotected, it can lead to heightened sensitivity, redness and burning. Sunscreens are particularly helpful in preventing irritation caused by sun exposure. Sufferers of skin conditions which are susceptible to sensitivity should wear sunscreen every day.

5. Sunscreen can keep you looking younger for longer. It’s no secret that most of us want to prevent the effects of ageing for as long as possible. Some of it, we can’t help – thanks, genetics! But some of it, we can. The sun’s radiation is the direct cause of an estimated 90 per cent of visible signs of aging. Prolonged sun exposure can cause the breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. By limiting exposure to the sun’s radiation we can slow the effects of this extrinsic aging. Daily use of sunscreen, both indoors and outdoors, will allow you to enjoy smooth, youthful-looking skin for years longer. And the best news – it’s not too late to start now!

If you are into the facts and data on why you should wear sunscreen every day, we suggest heading over to the Australian Institute on Health and Welfare (AIHW) to check out their publications on Skin Cancer in Australia.

Ochre Sun sunscreen has been developed for everyday use. Our SPF50+ formulation is lightweight and rubs in clear and is infused with botanical ingredients to nourish your skin while it protects you. Our sunscreen won’t sweat off and is the perfect base for under makeup. Our 125mL tube will make a great addition to your handbag, school bag or sports bag. Shop our range, here.