Looking to get your skin and beauty regimen in shape this year, but not sure where to start? Making a single, achievable resolution that not only helps improve the health of your skin, but also simplifies your beauty routine, can be the key to long-term improvement. With the right plan of attack and commitment, you’ll have glowing skin that will stand up to anything that throws at it. We’re here to help – if you only make one beauty resolution in 2023, let it be this…
Protect your skin: apply sunscreen 365 days a year.
Although many efforts have been made in public health campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of overexposure to the sun, research by the European Commission suggests that sun protection is still overlooked by many. According to their estimates, at least one in five Europeans got sunburned last year, despite all the warnings and advice.
This figure is even higher among 15-24 year olds, with more than half of this age group reporting having suffered a painful burn from exposure to the sun. In addition, nearly a quarter of Europeans say they rarely or never use sunscreen when outdoors. Which is an alarming statistic considering the damage UV rays can cause to unprotected skin. This clearly indicates that the message about the importance of protecting against overexposure to ultraviolet rays is not getting through completely.
Furthermore, recent studies suggest that even if people take precautions such as wearing appropriate clothing and using sunscreen, they are still at risk of receiving too much exposure over long periods of time due to the cumulative effects of years spent outdoors without adequate protection.
Also, some people may not be aware that UV rays can penetrate our skin and cause damage in other ways. For example in cloudy weather or in cold weather, which means that preventive measures must be taken throughout the year, regardless of the external conditions.
Other factors come into play.
In addition to this finding, research has also demonstrated that certain demographic factors are associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in appropriate sun protection behaviors. For example, adults under 30 and those who identify as women are more likely to use sunscreen or other forms of protection from the sun’s rays than their older counterparts and men respectively. Additionally, research has indicated that people from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to use sunscreens than those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
The results of European scientific research therefore provide ample evidence to support the conclusion that sun protection is still often neglected in Europe, despite awareness campaigns and educational efforts. If we are serious about protecting citizens from dangerous levels of UV radiation and reducing their risk of developing skin cancer or other complications from excessive sun exposure, we must ensure that adequate protective measures are taken. at any time of life.
What sun protection is considered the best against UV rays?
The best type of sun protection against harmful UV rays is a broad-spectrum sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen provides both UVA and UVB protection, which is important for reducing the risk of skin cancer. Not to mention protecting your skin against premature signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots and rough patches.
These sunscreens are available in physical (mineral) and chemical form. The physical forms contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which reflect or scatter light away from the skin. While chemical forms contain ingredients that absorb UV rays before they reach your skin cells.
Whatever form you choose, make sure it has an SPF of at least 30 or more for adequate protection. It’s also important to remember to apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors or after swimming or sweating heavily. Additionally, wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, can help keep you safe in the sun by protecting areas of your body that are particularly vulnerable to overexposure.
