How Sunscreen Protects Your Skin and Why It is Essential Year-Round

Sunscreen has long been heralded as the holy grail of skincare routines, but its benefits go far beyond preventing sunburn.  

Whether it's a hot summer day 🌞or a chilly winter morning ⛄, using sunscreen year-round is pivotal for maintaining healthy, youthful skin that shines from within. 

To make head and tail of this super important step in your morning routine, you first need to understand how sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays, what makes it a non-skippable step and how to pick the right sunscreen for your skin type.  

How Sunscreen Protects Your Skin from UV Rays 😎 

The answer to this question is super simple: By acting as a barrier against the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. 

A broad-spectrum sunscreen offers UVA and UVB protection, shielding your skin against the sun. This is crucial for maintaining the overall health of your skin and preventing long-term damage from sun exposure. 

UVA Rays are the ones that penetrate deep into your skin, causing premature ageing, unwanted wrinkles, and increasing the risk of deadly skin cancers. 

UVB Rays on the other hand affect the surface of the skin, leading to sunburns and contributing to skin damage over a gradual period of time. 

But Why Is Sunscreen Essential Year-Round? 🤔 

Well! You might think that sunscreen is a product to be used while you go to the beach, but the truth is that UV rays are omnipresent, throughout the year, even on those gloomy, cloudy days.  

Here's a rundown of why you should slather it on in every season: 

-During Chilly Winters ⛄ 

While you goof around in the snow, those sneaky UV rays can penetrate the clouds and reflect off the very snow that seems harmless to you, increasing the chances of skin exposure.  

While you think you can skip it on a very cold day, it is quite apparent that UV damage accumulates over time, leading to wrinkles, premature ageing and even worse, skin cancer. 

-For Prevention of Premature Ageing 

UVA rays have been known to break down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for youthful and firm skin that resembles a baby's bottom. Our no-nonsense Adigo Swoop Sunscreen acts as a shield against these rays and provides a potent layer of protection that helps prevent nasty wrinkles and maintain an even skin tone.

-Guarding Against Skin Cancer

A huge benefit of sunscreen that just cannot be ignored is its role in the prevention of skin cancer. Everyday use of a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen has been proven to protect your skin from cancer. This is not just a statement by us, it is a fact supported by renowned dermatologists worldwide. 

-Everyday Sun Damage ☀️

As you snuggle up with a book in the sun or take a walk in the park, you are exposed to UV rays little by little. This exposure, even if for short periods, like a few minutes can add up over time. In a country like ours, where the sun is always beating down on you, the Adigo Swoop Sunscreen is indeed a skincare staple. 

How To Choose the Best Sunscreen for Your Face⛱️ 

Not all sunscreens are created equal, and choosing the right one makes a world of difference. Here are some tips to guide your hand:

-Understanding SPF 🌞
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is the measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays. The best SPF for daily use is SPF 30 or higher. This provides you with adequate protection while remaining lightweight for a smooth, dewy glow that doesn't wear you down.
-Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen 🌞
Ensuring your sunscreen is labelled as broad-spectrum will not only protect against just UVA rays or UVB rays, but it will shield you against them both. This is a win-win and in fact, a non-negotiable when you want comprehensive sun protection.
-Considering Your Skin Type 🌞

• If You Have Oily Skin: Look for a lightweight, gel-based, non-greasy  formula that gives you a matte finish. 
• If You Have Sensitive Skin: Go for SPF sunscreen for sensitive skin that comes with soothing ingredients.  
• If You Have Acne-Prone Skin: Choose an SPF sunscreen for acne-prone skin that is non-comedogenic and will not clog your pores thereby leading to more breakouts. 
• If You Have Dry Skin: A cream-based formula that promises added moisturisation will help keep your skin hydrated for longer, while also offering sun protection.|
  
  Water-Resistant Sunscreen 🌞

If you're into swimming or you sweat a lot, a water-resistant sunscreen is a must for you. But keep in mind, that you need to reapply every two hours to ensure consistent protection.  

Sunscreen or Sunblock: Getting the basic difference right! 😎 

While the terms "SPF sunscreen" and "Sunblock" are often used interchangeably, they refer to slightly different products: 

Sunscreen absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat, preventing them from penetrating the skin. 

Sunblock, on the other hand, reflects UV rays, creating a physical barrier on the skin. 

For most daily needs, a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen is sufficient, but for high-intensity sun exposure or longer hours in the sun, a combination of both is necessary for added protection. 

Sunscreen Also Helps Prevent Wrinkles and Ageing 🌻🧏🏻‍♀️ 

For those beauties in their late 20s or early 30s, are you wondering where the elasticity of your youth went? Do you see your skin sagging a bit?  

Collagen breakdown caused by UVA rays could be the reason for it! 

When you are wearing sunscreen daily, you're taking a proactive step toward maintaining youthful skin. How SPF protects against premature ageing is a testament to the importance of consistent application and a sure-shot way to always look youthful. 

How to Choose the Right SPF for Your Skin Type? 

Understanding your skin type, its concerns and the lifestyle you lead is key to selecting the best sunscreen suited to you. 

For Everyday Use: SPF 30 is more than ideal 🌞 

For Outdoor Activities: Go for nothing less than SPF 50. If you plan to stay in the sun for longer hours, you can even opt for SPF higher than 50 ⛱️ 

For Sensitive Skin: Mineral sunscreens with natural ingredients are less likely to irritate and hence, the best fit for you ☀️ 

For Children and Babies: Use only gentle, hypoallergenic formulations which are advised to be safe for children and babies 👶🏻 

Sunscreen Ingredients to Look For! 

When shopping for sunscreen, do not forget to read the back label and pay very close attention to these ingredients: 

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide: Found in mineral sunscreens, they offer broad-spectrum protection without causing irritation 

Avobenzone and Oxybenzone: Common in chemical sunscreens for UVA protection 

Antioxidants: Help neutralize free radicals and enhance sun protection 

Benefits of Using Sunscreen Year-Round 😎🌻⛱️ 

1. The benefits of year-round sunscreen use extend far beyond preventing sunburn.  Evens Skin Tone: Regular use of sunscreen is known to prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by UV damage giving you an even skin tone.
2. Minimises Risk of Skin Cancer: Protects against both basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
3. Prevents Dryness: Sunscreen for dry skin often includes hydrating ingredients, helping maintain moisture and saving you from itchiness & dryness.
4. Boosts Confidence: Healthy, glowing skin naturally enhances your appearance and elevates your confidence levels.

How to Incorporate Sunscreen into Your Routine 

The Last Step: Sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skincare routine, applied after moisturiser & serum. 

The Perfect Amount: A nickel-sized amount is recommended for your face alone. Anything less than that, and you won't get the coverage you require. 

Reapply! Reapply! Every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating, you need to reapply the same amount. And remember, No cheating! 

Natural Sunscreens with SPF Protection 

For those who care not just for their skin but also for the environment, some options are made with natural ingredients.  

Adigo Swoop Sunscreen is a paraben-free, non-comedogenic formulation that contains ingredients like: 

- Glycerine: Known for extensive hydration and soothing properties 💧 

 -  Hemp Seed Oil: Known to balance oil production to prevent clogging the pores while also helping retain moisture and keeping your skin hydrated for longer 🌿 

- Sunflower Seed Oil: Known to provide antioxidant protection 🌻 

- Olive Oil: Known to contain anti-inflammatory properties, calm redness and irritation and provide a soothing effect 🫒 

- Allantoin: Known to contain soothing properties and is an anti-irritant 🪻 

Hence, proved! Sunscreen Is Your Skin's Best Friend. 

It is not just a product; it's a daily commitment to your skin's health, beauty, youthfulness and elasticity.  

Whether you're searching for the best sunscreen for your face, a water-resistant sunscreen for outdoor adventures, or an SPF tailored to your skin type, there's an option out there for everyone. 

Remember, the benefits of using sunscreen year-round go beyond protection. It's about investing in your future—keeping your skin radiant, youthful, and free from preventable damage.  

Start today, and let it become your most reliable skincare ally. Because it’s never too late to spend those slow weekends with your furry friend basking in the golden sun. Happy sunbathing!️⛱️⛱⛱️️