Sunscreen is a crucial part of our daily skincare routine. It protects us from the harmful rays of the sun, which can cause skin damage and even skin cancer.

Many people are aware that sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, but it’s important to realize the long-term benefits it provides.

The Different Types of Sunscreens

There are two types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens reflects UV rays while chemical sunscreens absorb them. Chemical removers can cause the skin to stop absorbing vitamin D.

What is SPF?

Sun Protection Factor(SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen product will protect the skin from damaging UVB rays. SPF sunscreen is designated to help understand the protection factor that it offers against the sun.

The higher the SPF number, the greater the level of protection it offers. For example, an SPF of 30 will protect the skin from 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF of 50 will protect from 98%. It’s essential to wear SPF 30-50 for adequate sun protection.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from the pigment-producing cells of our skin called Melanocytes. This form of cancer is often curable when detected early but can spread and become deadly if left untreated.

Often, it’s challenging to identify early melanomas until the site begins to change considerably.

The Sunscreen that Reduces Melanoma Risk by 80%

In a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that using sunscreen with SPF 30 or above can reduce the risk of melanoma by up to 80%.

The study was conducted over a period of four years, and the researchers followed 1,600 adults who had a history of melanoma.

What the Study Revealed

The study revealed that participants who used sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher decreased their melanoma risk by 80%. On the other hand, the control group, which did not use sunscreen, showed a higher incidence of melanoma development.

It is significantly recommended to continue using sunscreen, especially with at least an SPF of 30 or higher.

Why Choose an SPF of at Least 30?

SPF 30+ sunscreen ensures that the skin is protected by 97 percent against UVB rays. The benefit here is that users are not required to apply as frequently compared to a lower SPF product.

As a result, an SPF of 30 offers more period protection against harmful skin damage.

The Importance of Reapplying Sunscreen

It’s often said that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially when exposed to the sun and water. Generally, when we head outside, we tend to sweat, leading to the sunscreen dissolving on the skin.

Applications during outdoor activities will restore some of the sunscreen, allowing it to continue to protect the skin’s surface, particularly when in contact with water.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sunscreen with higher SPF is vital to maintaining healthy skin and reducing the risk of developing melanoma. With sunscreen that provides at least 30 SPF, the possibility of developing melanoma will decrease by 80%.