What Happens if You Don’t Wear Sunscreen?

Do you know the exact reasons why wearing sunscreen is so crucial for skin protection? We have all heard it before, but what’s the actual science behind sunscreen? It’s simple. Our skin functions to shield us from harmful UV radiation and so we also need to do the same for it by applying sunscreen.

Frequent and long-term exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays may result in creases, discoloration, and worst, skin cancer. Applying sunscreen is the largest adjustment you can make to your daily routine to help protect your skin. It’s important for everyone spending frequent time outdoors to always properly apply high SPF protection from the sun.

But what really happens over time if you don’t wear sunscreen? Let’s find out below.

What Happens if You Don’t Wear Sunscreen

Sun directly hits your skin

Epidermis, Dermis, and a fatty layer known as the Hypodermis comprise the three layers of our skin. Our skin’s epidermis, which is the outermost layer, shields us from the sun. Skin thickens as a result of the cells in the lower layer of our epidermis pushing to the surface when we’re exposed to the sun’s UV radiation (outside or in a tanning bed).

Over time the skin develops a hard, leathery feel as a result of this. We get our tan from melanocytes, a type of cell found in this layer of the epidermis. As a result, your skin gets damaged while you get the sun-kissed look you were hoping for.

Skin Damage

The first indication of solar damage is a suntan. Next is sunburn. 

Sunburns are genuine skin burns that cause hot, red, and itchy skin conditions. You might also develop blisters, depending on how badly burned you were. Do you frequently allow yourself to get burned? If so, it’s time to start applying sunscreen every time you’re in the sun. Change your habits now to limit your risk of serious medical conditions later in life.

Skin Cancer Risk

You must be aware of the dangers associated with spending time in the sun without protection from the elements or sunscreen. Your risk of developing skin cancer is increased by even a few sunburns over your lifetime. In addition to these serious medical concerns, there are cosmetic reasons why you should avoid sunburns that we will discuss below.

You Might Blemish

Skipping sunscreen may also cause damaged blood vessels to appear more prominently on your skin, making it appear less perfect. Certain skin elements, like elastin and collagen, become less voluminous when the sun works on our skin, thinning the dermis layer.

The damage to our capillaries is then able to ascend to the surface, becoming more apparent. Sunscreen will shield your epidermis from damage and stop the thinning of your dermis.

Aging Marks Appear Sooner

For four and a half years, researchers compared the outcomes for those who applied sunscreen every day to those who didn’t.

In general, 24% of those who religiously apply sunscreen, displayed less aging symptoms and didn’t appear to age in reaction to the sun or potential injury. So take care of your skin and always use a high SPF product any time you go outdoors for extended periods of time!

Conclusion

Applying sunscreen liberally before you step outside in the open sunlight can help you ensure that you have enough coverage of all areas that will be exposed to the sun. However, there are several particular body parts that you should pay attention to.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a significant portion of people fail to cover their backs and other hard to reach places, so get help before you go outdoors. Another area people frequently overlook is the eyelid. It’s crucial to take care of your eyelids because of how delicate the skin on them is.

Now it should be pretty clear that sunscreen is an important part of your daily routine for both health and beauty reasons. If you want to keep your skin looking its best, protect it from sun damage every day.