Beauty

Sunscreen Benefits on Face, Skin & Acne That Will Convince You To Never Skip This Skincare Step

2024 is the year when sunscreen became the worthy hero of skincare. We are now thoroughly educated about the sunscreen benefits, how to apply sunscreen on face, skin, and the types of sunscreen, and have even stopped criminalizing chemical sunscreens just because they have the term ‘chemicals’ in the name. In a rare case that you aren’t convinced with the importance of sunscreen yet, let us shine some light on the major sunscreen for face benefits everyday. We already know that a good sunscreen effectively protects our gentle skin from the harsh effects of the UVA and UVB rays. But how does this SPF benefit our skin? Let’s find out the different sunscreen benefits for skin!

Sunscreen: Your Daily Defense for Healthy, Beautiful Skin

Sunscreen might seem like a seasonal product reserved for beach days, but its benefits extend far beyond preventing sunburn. Daily sunscreen use is crucial for maintaining healthy, youthful skin on your face and overall body. Here's a deep dive into the reasons why sunscreen should be a staple in your skincare routine:

Sunscreen Elements

UVA rays: UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin's dermis, contributing to premature aging, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
UVB rays: UVB are responsible for sunburns and play a role in skin cancer development.

While the UVA rays can cause long term effects like wrinkles and fine lines, UVB rays are the ones responsible for the immediate effect you see in the form of sunburns and suntans. Long-term, unprotected exposure to sun rays can do this and is usually accompanied by inflammation, redness, irritation, burning sensation and a whole lot of discomfort. One of the sunscreen benefits is that it protects the skin from a whole lot of peeling and inflammation by reflection, scattering or absorbing the sun rays.

Sunscreen Benefits for the Face:

Skipping sunscreen during your daytime skincare routine is criminal, and we all know it. However, incorrect formulas that make our skin greasy are something that keeps us on the edge. If you’re looking on how to apply sunscreen on face and for a reason to keep looking for a sunscreen formula for your skin type, we will give you three! Here are some major sunscreen benefits on the face and body:

1. Prevents Premature Aging

UV rays break down collagen and elastin, the building blocks of firm, youthful skin. Sunscreen helps maintain these structures, keeping your face looking plump and radiant. Lengthy exposure to the harsh UVA rays can develop premature signs of ageing on the skin like crows feet, wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin. The benefits of sunscreen for face include well-rounded protection from these problems, which will keep your skin young and healthy for a long time.

sunscreen prevents premature aging

Freepik.com

2. Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Sun exposure is a major culprit behind wrinkles. Consistent sunscreen use minimizes their appearance and prevents the formation of new ones. One of the best sunscreen for face benefits is it enhances skin health. Sunscreen protects keratin, elastin, and some essential proteins of the skin. These proteins keep the skin healthy, smooth and protected.

sunscreen reduces wrinkles and fine lines

Source: Freepik.com

3. Protects Against Dark Spots

Sun exposure can trigger hyperpigmentation, leading to dark spots and uneven skin tone. Sunscreen safeguards your face from these unwanted blemishes. Unprotected exposure to the sun rays can visibly tan your skin, causing blotchy skin and hyperpigmentation at times. One of the most effective sunscreen lotion benefits is that it avoids these skin problems.

sunscreen protects against dark spots

Source: Freepik.com

4. Minimizes Sunburn

Even brief sun exposure can cause sunburn, leading to redness, discomfort, and peeling. Sunscreen prevents this painful reaction. As mentioned above, UVB rays have immediate effects on the skin while UVA rays have long-term effects that show up in the future. Along with premature signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines, skin cancer is also one of these long-term effects. One of the biggest sunscreen benefits for face includes protection against skin cancer.

Sunscreen Minimizes Sunburn

Pexel

5. Reduce Acne

Contrary to popular belief, sunshine doesn't actually clear acne. In fact, UV rays can worsen inflammation and contribute to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots left behind by acne). Sunscreen helps prevent these issues and may even soothe existing acne by reducing inflammation. Another sunscreen benefit for skin is it keeps the complexion even. Sun damage causes uneven skin tone and sunscreen prevents those effects too.

sunscreen May Improve Acne

Pexels

Choosing the Right Facial Sunscreen:

For optimal results, select a facial sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. Look for labels mentioning "broad spectrum" protection, which shields against both UVA and UVB rays. Oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas are ideal for acne-prone skin as they won't clog pores. Consider lightweight lotions or gels for a comfortable, everyday wear.

sunscreen

Pexel

Beyond the Face: Sunscreen Benefits to Your Skin

The benefits of sunscreen for the skin extend far beyond your face. Here's how it protects and benefits the rest of your skin:

Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Sunscreen is a key defense mechanism, significantly reducing your risk of developing this potentially life-threatening disease.
Protects from Sunburns: Sunburns are not just uncomfortable; they can also damage skin cells and increase your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen prevents this painful consequence of sun exposure.
Maintains Even Skin Tone: Sun exposure can cause uneven pigmentation and hyperpigmentation across your body. Sunscreen helps maintain a more uniform skin tone.
Preserves Skin Elasticity: As with your face, sun exposure damages collagen and elastin throughout your body, leading to loose, wrinkled skin. Sunscreen helps maintain skin's youthful elasticity.
Prevents Premature Aging: Sun damage accelerates the aging process of your skin. Sunscreen helps keep your skin looking healthy and youthful for longer.

Sunscreen Benefits for Acne

Many people with acne worry that sunscreen will clog pores and worsen breakouts. However, the opposite is true! Here's how sunscreen can benefit acne-prone skin:

Reduces Inflammation: UV rays can inflame existing acne, making it appear redder and angrier. Sunscreen helps calm this inflammation, potentially leading to fewer breakouts and faster healing.
Prevents Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Acne breakouts can leave dark spots behind. Sunscreen minimizes sun exposure, which can worsen these hyperpigmentation marks.
Certain Medications Increase Sun Sensitivity: Some acne medications make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays while undergoing these treatments.

Choosing Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin:

Look for "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" labels on sunscreens. These formulas are less likely to clog pores and trigger breakouts. Lightweight lotions or gels are ideal for oily, acne-prone skin. Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often gentler on sensitive skin.

Manish Malhotra Sandalwood SPF 25 Gel

Gel-based Natural Sunscreen With SPF

₹850~~₹945~~

MyGlamm SUPERFOODS Kiwi & Coconut Sunscreen

The MyGlamm SUPERFOODS Kiwi & Coconut Sunscreen is everything you need for your skin. With SPF 30 PA++, this sunscreen gives great protection against UVA and UVB rays, prevents premature ageing, and hydrates the skin too.

MyGlamm SUPERFOODS Kiwi & Coconut Sunscreen 50ml

Broad-Spectrum, Lightweight & Non-greasy Sunscreen With SPF 30 PA+++

₹449~~₹499~~

How to Apply Sunscreen on Face

Now that you know the advantages of sunscreen, learn some ways how to apply sunscreen on face. Scroll and find out!

The first step to using sunscreen on the face is by washing your face to remove any dirt and oil.
After patting dry your skin, take a generous amount of sunscreen and apply it to the face. To make your sunscreen get absorbed more evenly into your skin, put some dots on your face and then rub gently.
After you’re done applying your sunscreen, you are free to wear your moisturizer, makeup, or anything that you would want to.

In conclusion, sunscreen is not just a summer essential; it's a daily necessity for healthy, beautiful skin. By incorporating

Sunscreen FAQs

Is it good to use sunscreen every day?

It is one of the best skin care practices to wear sunscreen every day. There are many benefits of wearing sunscreen on face everyday which takes care of your skin under the harsh sun rays. Doing so saves your skin from sun damage, premature signs of ageing, suntan and sunburn.

Does sunscreen improve your skin?

Yes! Wearing sunscreen regularly can help your skin achieve an even tone. Sunscreen targets skin problems like discolouration, suntan and dark spots and helps reduce or fade their appearance over time.

What SPF is best for the face?

One should ideally go for sunscreens that are above SPF 30. However, SPF 50 is the best choice for the harsh Indian sun. One can gain higher SPF benefits with a high sun protection factor. While taking care of your facial skin, don’t forget that the skin on your body needs sunscreen too!

Which sunscreen is the best sunscreen?

There are three types of sunscreens in the market - physical sunscreen, chemical sunscreen, and the third type of sunscreen have the ingredients and properties of both the sunscreens. Depending on your skin type, skin concerns and requirements, you can select the perfect sunscreen for you.

Does expired sunscreen work?

Expired sunscreens do work but they do not remain as effective as before. They don’t harm your skin directly, but after a few months, they can reduce the level of protection on your skin.

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