Sunscreen- the greatest armor against harmful UV rays

Imagine going outside on a sunny, bright day.  The golden glow makes everything appear picture-perfect, and the warmth caresses your skin.  However, there is something unseen hiding in those lovely rays—an adversary that not only tans but also subtly ages, damages, and even jeopardizes the health of your skin.

Introducing UV radiation, the cunning antagonist that operates around the clock, in both summer and winter, rain or shine.  It sees you even though you can't see it.  And don't believe that sitting by a window or an overcast sky would spare you.  The ability of persistent UV radiation to permeate glass, bounce off surfaces, and enter your skin can result in sunburns, early aging, and even skin cancer. 

So, what’s the game plan? How do we outsmart this unseen foe without giving up our love for the outdoors? In this blog, we uncover everything about UV protection—from choosing the right sunscreen to unexpected ways UV rays affect you (yes, even your eyes and hair need shielding!).

What are UV rays, and how does the body respond to negate them?

UV radiation is one of the energy types produced by the sun. Vitamin D is essential for survival and is given to your body by the sun's UV rays when they reach Earth. UV rays make the risks even greater, but as they say, too much of anything is bad. Excessive exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and other chronic skin damage, which can be more harmful than you may realize.

How does the body respond to this risky UVR?

As the harmful UV rays attack our skin, the skin, in its defense starts producing melanin- a pigment that determines the color of skin.

Melanin is our body's natural defense mechanism that absorbs  UV radiation to reduce harm. But it is also true that melanin has its own limitations. The overproduction of melanin in the skin because of prolonged exposure to sunlight results in hyperpigmentation or darkening of skin.

Aside from tanning, the over exposure can also  lead to issues like sunburn, premature aging, and even DNA damage that increases the risk of skin cancer. UV rays gradually break down collagen and elastin, which results in dark patches, wrinkles, and a loss of skin suppleness.

What’s UV protection?

UV protection is the invisible armor that protects you from an invisible enemy . It's a strategic defense against the unrelenting UV radiation that ages your skin, takes away its radiance, and, in the worst situations, poses serious health hazards. It's not simply about wearing sunscreen. Whether you're sitting by a window or lounging on a beach, consider it a shield against time itself  that protects your skin, eyes, and even hair from the sun's silent harm. UV protection is more than simply a skincare step; it's your daily strategy for defeating a relentless foe.

How can we protect ourselves from UV radiation?

The simplest and effective way of protecting your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays  is by using sunscreen.The sunscreen acts as a shield for your skin that mitigates the impact of harmful sun rays. It forms an additional layer on the surface of our skin.

Now the question that may arise in your head is “who can use it?”

Well, putting it out simply “EVERYONE”.

Yes, you read it right. Every skin needs protection from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Common misconception about who needs sunscreen

The most widespread—and, of course, most strange—misconception that folks frequently harbor is that Black people don't require sunscreen.

This entire fallacy is predicated on the idea that they don't require sunscreen because they are already dark and won't get tanned.

Isn't that ridiculous?

We are looking at only one downside of UV rays i.e tanning and forming such a fallacy in our mind.

Yes, Black people too need to use sunscreen. Although melanin, which naturally protects the skin from UV rays, is more abundant in darker skin, this does not mean that the skin is immune to sun damage.

Come and let’s understand why is sunscreen still necessary:

• Prevents Skin Cancer: Despite a lower risk, Black people can still get skin cancer, and because of false beliefs about protection, the disease is frequently discovered later.

• Prevents Hyperpigmentation: People with dark skin often have dark areas and uneven pigmentation, which UV exposure can make worse. Sunscreen can reduce and prevent these marks.

• Decelerate Premature Aging: The ultraviolet rays crack down collagen and elastin over time, time that further results in creases and fine lines on the skin.

• Armour Against Sunburns: Though, it may not be much visible, the dark skinned people also get sunburned, which may result in discomfort, inflammation, and peeling.

Risks of Not Using Sunscreen on Darker Skin

As discussed above, it is very important to comprehend that the utility of sunscreen is beyond just preventing tanning. Not using sunscreen just because of the misconceptions that “dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen” may pose some serious risks to your skin. 

Let's look at the possible risks: 

1. Skin cancer

You have a higher risk of developing skin cancer if you go outside without protection. One of the more significant issues with sun exposure is this. You could get a number of different types of skin cancer. For instance, melanoma or basal cell cancer are possible outcomes.

2. Early Aging

Be it a man or a woman, a white or a black person, everybody loves young and beautiful skin. But do you know that exposure to sunlight can be threatening for your young look?

Yes, you read it correctly. The over exposure to the sun can snatch what you love most- Your youthful skin—by causing premature aging. 

When we don’t apply the protection or sunscreen while we are outside, we push ourselves into the  danger of getting wrinkles, blemishes, spots, and lines that could make us look older glowless than we actually are. This is specifically  true for parts of our body that are mostly exposed to the UV rays, such as your face, neck and chest.

3. Dry and leathery skin

The other biggest downside of sunlight is it can destroy the texture of our skin.When UVR comes in contact with our skin cells, they alter the development of our body’s tissue.It reduces the elasticity of our skin with time, making our skin look dry and leathery. The dried and leathery skin can make us look older than we actually are. 

4. Suppression of the Immune System

UVA radiation can damage your immune system by preventing antigen presentation, boosting immune-suppressing proteins, and generating cells that reduce immunity.  A weakened immune system makes you more susceptible to infections, hence raising your risk of sickness.

5. Scarring

Furthermore, repeated sun exposure frequently causes scars to deteriorate, growing darker and more apparent. Plus, it can make burning and peeling worse, which can leave scars if untreated.

This implies that you are fighting against your own efforts if you have been using all the skin care procedures required to remove old acne scarring. Use sunscreen when you're outside to help prevent and lessen scarring.

These are only fewer risks of not applying sunscreen for black or any other skin color. 

Benefits of using sunscreen

Sunscreen is a daily necessity that protects your skin and keeps it safe and healthy. The following explains why you should never miss it:

• Prevents Premature Aging: The harmful UV rays cause the breakdown of collagen that further results in fine lines and wrinkles. Sunscreen protects us from these rays that ultimately keep us looking younger.

• Protects Against UV Damage: The sunscreen lowers the chance of sunburn and long-term damage by shielding your skin from damaging UVA and UVB radiation.

• Evens Skin Tone: The sunscreen reduces the unevenness in skin tone by eliminating the pigmentation and black patches caused by sun exposure. Sunscreen maintains the balance and smoothness of our skin tone.

• Preserves Skin Hydration: The sun can cause our skin to become parched. SPF keeps us hydrated by helping you hold onto moisture.

• Reduces risk of Skin Cancer: By preventing damaging radiation, regular sunscreen use reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.

Choosing right sunscreen for the dark skin

Since, dark skin naturally contains more melanin, it provides some protection from the sun, but it cannot shield you from UV rays. Sunscreen is necessary to avoid hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and skin cancer. The following advice will help you choose the finest one: 

1. Choose sunscreen with Broad Spectrum

The term "broad-spectrum" refers to a sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

2. Use at least 30 SPF.

For everyday use, you should apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, but SPF 50 is even better if you'll be spending a lot of time outside.

3. Choose a Greasy-Free, Delicate Recipe

Dark skin types are best suited for gel-based, water-based, or lightweight lotions to avoid feeling greasy or heavy. 

4. Avoid getting a white cast.

 Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and other mineral sunscreens can leave a noticeable white residue on black skin.  Instead, pick:

•  Mineral sunscreens with tints work better on skin that has more melanin.

•  Chemical sunscreens: These contain chemicals like oxybenzone, octocrylene, and avobenzone that absorb UV rays without leaving a cast.

 5. Look for Hydration Sources

 For extra hydration, choose sunscreens with glycerin, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid if your skin is dry.

 6. Oily Skin Matte Entire Finish

 For oily or acne-prone skin, use a mattifying, oil-free sunscreen to keep it smooth and free of breakouts.

 7. Resilient to Water for Days of Activity

 Select a sunscreen that is longer-lasting and water-resistant if you swim or perspire a lot.

Bonus Tip: Reapply every two hours while you're outdoors. Don't forget to shield your ears, neck, and hands. 

FUN FACT

The first sunscreen was created in 1938 by a Swiss chemist who had been sunburned while climbing a mountain!

Franz Greiter, an outdoor enthusiast, invented "Gletscher Crème" (Glacier Cream), one of the earliest kind of sunscreen. SPF ratings were later developed as a result of this, and they are still in use today! 

Remember that it all began with a sunburned scientist attempting to shield his skin the next time you put on sunscreen! 

Final thought

Sunscreen discreetly shields your skin from the sun's unseen dangers, making it more than just a seasonal skincare treatment. When it comes to long-term harm, UV rays don't care if your skin is melanin-rich or fair.  Many individuals are in danger of hyperpigmentation, early aging, and even skin cancer due to the false belief that darker skin doesn't require sunscreen.  With a straightforward SPF application, these issues might be easily avoided.

 Think of sunscreen as your daily insurance policy for the health of your skin.  It protects your natural shine, keeps your skin soft, and avoids dark patches.  In order to maintain healthy, strong skin for many years to come, prevention and protection are more important than beauty. 

In actuality, your skin puts in a lot of effort each day; why not give it back? Including SPF in your daily routine is the simplest method to combat the sun's silent effects. Your future self will appreciate you taking the easy yet effective decision to safeguard it now, regardless of your skin tone. 

Recommended Products

Natural Sunscreen with SPF 30 & SPF 50

Natural Sunscreen for Men

Products for Sun Damaged Skin

Related Articles

SPF for Hair: Why You Need Sun Protection Beyond Skin