"If I had to choose one product it would be..."
Alright, you've heard the above from every influencer, guru or doctor that's trying to sell you something. It's usually followed by a recommendation of an obnoxiously expensive serum or an inexpensive facial cleanser that's breaking the internet. That doesn't fly with me. Here on The Daily Skin, I'm giving it to you straight.
If you were stranded on an island or stuck atop Mt. Vesuvius, the one product you would need—sunscreen! Anticlimactic answer? Sure. Sunscreen has the rep it does for a reason, and I'm here to tell you why.
Two basic points:
1. UV radiation from the sun is the primary source of skin-related cancers and premature aging.
2. Sunscreen is the most effective way to prevent skin-related cancers, premature aging and uneven skin tone.
I know you intuitively know this already, because you're smart. Let's enrich this basic understanding and get into the science surrounding protecting our skin.
Ultraviolet radiation is a form of light that we cannot feel or see. There are three types—UVA, UVB and UVC. Unlike other forms of light, UVB radiation has the ability to penetrate the skin and mutate DNA sequences. Although cells have the ability to repair mutations constantly, it's been proven that continuous, unprotected exposure to UV radiation causes permanent damage that leads to skin cancer. Learn more about how UV radiation works here.
You guys, that should freak you out enough. Our DNA has the ability to change the trajectory of life expectancy—yikes! DNA damage has the ability to cause melanoma, squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancers. Although some are more genetically susceptible to developing skin cancers, the environmental factor of unprotected exposure to UV radiation is the largest contributor across the board.
On a more superficial note, uneven appearances of the skin can be prevented by daily sunscreen use. Sunspots, loss of fullness, fine lines and wrinkles are known to be a package deal that comes with aging. For example, unprotected exposure to UV radiation breaks down the collagen in our cells. This results in the skin appearing less full. Are you using any products to help with sunspots, fullness or wrinkles? Here's the reality—many of these skincare products won't work unless you've paired them with SPF. Click here to learn more. The only time you'll hear me speaking in absolutes is with sunscreen. Sunscreen is the most accessible, first line of defense for your overall skin health. Protecting your skin is an aspect of your daily routine that should be as important as brushing your teeth.
So here's what you need to do. Get a cheap broad spectrum sunscreen for your body and face and apply it daily. I recommend SPF 50 or above.
Don't believe you should be slathering it on after this article? Submit your questions, and opinions here.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of skin cancer, contact your local healthcare professional for an exam and rule it out.
To learn The Daily Skin's sunscreen routine, click here.
To learn more about the science behind the three types of UV radiation and UV index, click here for more.
Want to learn about how sunscreen works? Here's a great explanation I found.
References
Skin Cancer and Sunlight. (2016, June 22). Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/skin_cancer.html
DocUnlock. (2018, October 12). How UV Rays Damage Skin [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjewT1jDNw8
Victorian Dermal Group. (2020, December 1). Why sunscreen is the most important part of your skin care routine. https://www.victoriandermalgroup.com.au/information-centre/why-sunscreen-is-the-most-important-part-of-your-skin-care-routine
Ianelli, V. I. (2022, March 3). Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and Sunscreen. Very Well Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/spf-sun-protection-factor-and-sunscreen-2634104
U.S. Food and Drug Administration U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2011, June 13). How Sunscreen Works [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC-d9ZsnLds