5 things I wish I knew about sunscreen



I wanted to thank Olay for partnering with me on this post, helping me take control of my daily sun care routine and teaching me a few things along the way!

SO I’m really embarrassed to admit that I’ve never really been regimented when it comes to sunscreen and sun protection in general. Growing up it wasn’t something my parents were really concerned with and I also thought having darker skin automatically protects you from the sun (not really sure where I got that idea from?). I mean I’d wear it now and then if I was at the beach, or on super sunny summer days, but I never really incorporated it into my daily skin routine until now (I know so many of you might be cringing right now).



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Now as I’m getting older (and trying to do so as gracefully as I can!) I’m realizing the importance of protecting your skin, and learning that sunscreen is one of the best ways of protecting your skin from the sun (not to mention slowing down the signs of aging).  Hey, better late than never, right? 

So If you’re like me and never really took sun protection seriously, here are 5 things that I wish I’d known about using sunscreen:

1. The ozone layer is depleting

The ozone acts as a sun shield for the earth by absorbing harmful UVB rays before they reach the ground. As the ozone layer becomes depleted, our bodies need added protection. Adding sunscreen daily (even on days that aren’t sunny) provides your skin with added protection from those harmful UVB rays.

2.  It helps decrease your risk of developing cancer *

Using sunscreen daily (even when it’s cloudy or raining), dramatically decreases your risk of developing skin cancers, like melanoma. Did you know  the SPF value represents how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning? If your skin normally burns after 10 mins (without SPF protection), with an SPF 40 your skin will burn after 40x10mins = approximately 6 hours. This doesn’t guarantee protection from burning, and you should also follow the directions on the bottle,  but it’s a great guide to help you pick the right SPF protection for you.

3. Sunscreen helps keep your skin tone even

In addition to slowing the signs of aging, sunscreen helps prevent spots and skin discolouration. The lighter your skin the more likely you are to get sunspots and discolourations on your skin from sun exposure, but sunspots can occur on any skin type and tone.*

4. Sunscreen is important for all skin types

Even if you don’t burn easily, wearing sunscreen is still important. Sunburn is an immediate reaction, but sun damage occurs over a lifetime. Although skin cancer is more prevalent in people with lighter skin *, it does not discriminate and can still affect those with darker skin and sunscreen has be proven to help prevent skin and cellular damage.

5It keeps you looking younger!

It is estimated that 80% of visible skin aging is caused by UV exposure, and Olay research found that the #1 driver of younger looking skin is using an SPF daily.



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 We all know sun protection is important, but learning the specifics of how it benefits and protects my skin, has really helped me stick to wearing it daily. 

It’s taken me quite a while to find the right daily sunscreen that works for my dry and sensitive skin. After testing out Olay Regenerist Whip SPF 40 for 2 months now, I can honestly say I’ve never been this consistent with sunscreen until now and love that it works double duty as sun protection and a moisturizer. Here’s a few others reasons why I really like the Olay Regenerist Whip SPF 40.

  1. It’s a light and weightless formula that leaves my skin soft and matte. I find it hydrates and nourishes my sensitive skin, too.

  2. I love that it also has so many other ingredients that are beneficial to my skin like:

    1. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)- Supports the skin barrier, increases its resiliency and improves texture.

    2. Hyaluronic Acid-  helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by retaining moisture to the skin, creating a plumping effect

    3.  Amino Peptides- building blocks of certain proteins needed by the skin, like collagen and elastin, to help firm and plump the skin.

  3. I love that it’s in a bottle I can take anywhere and the pump makes it super easy to apply

  4. Price point! (Let’s be honest, this is a big one!). I love how it feels luxurious but is still very affordable. I even bought some for my mom and for Zee! I’d love to hear more about when you started taking sun care more seriously and what other benefits you’ve noticed from wearing sunscreen more regularly!

Yours in Health,

Zehra

 References.  UpToDate.com, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, British Journal of Dermatology



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