Skin Care

6 Amazing Sunscreen Benefits You Wish You Knew Before

With the scorching heat of summer at its peak, sunscreens should be a holy grail in your skincare ritual, if not already. In fact, there are several uses of sunscreen, some of which we already know and some that you will probably learn from this article.

So, as you gear up to step outside, let’s make sure you do it confidently, knowing that your skin is protected to brave the weather. .

In this Article:

Lesser-known Sunscreen Benefits You Should Know

Here’s why sunscreen is important for your skincare:

Key Sunscreen Benefits

  • Prevents Early Ageing: Shields you from premature wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation.
  • Stops Sunburn: Reduces peeling, blistering, and irritation caused by the sun.
  • Lowers Skin Cancer Risk: Blocks UV radiation that can cause cancer risks.
  • Prevents Pigmentation: Prevents new dark spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Soothes redness and sensitivity caused by the sun.
  • Strengthens Barrier: Maintains moisture levels and protects the skin barrier.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

  • Use Broad-Spectrum sunscreen for protection from both UVA & UVB rays.
  • Use a water-resistant formula that suits humid weather.
  • Use mattifying formulas for oily skin and brightening options for dull skin.

For those who are guilty of skipping sunscreen or haven’t been using one yet, here’s why sunscreen is important and what its benefits are.

Why is Sunscreen Important?

Despite everything good that the sun brings us, harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays come as part of the parcel. The UV rays have the potential to cause aesthetic as well as fatal damage to our skin. This is why it’s crucial to use effective, broad-spectrum sun protection that has the power to keep you safe from sun damage as you go about your day. So, dive in to understand the importance of sunscreen and get into your own, consistent skincare routine against the UV.

Sunscreen Benefits

  • Stops Early Ageing

    • Wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation – they’re all inevitable symptoms of age. However, it can be alarming when you see these symptoms in your early 20s or 30s. There’s a good chance that UV rays are the culprit behind this one too. UV radiation can fasten the breakdown of collagen and elastin, proteins that keep your skin firm and elastic. One of the sunscreen benefits is blocking these harmful rays to preserve your skin's structural integrity and appearance. Other pros of sunscreens include preventing dark spots and pigmentation and making your skin appear more youthful. Pair it with a hyaluronic acid day cream to plump up your skin and smooth over any fine lines. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Day Cream.

  • Preventing Sunburn

    • Sunburns can be tiresome and even punishingly painful. What makes matters worse is that they can take quite some time to heal, and preventing these burns makes it to our list of sunscreen benefits. A sunburn is a clear indicator of skin damage. It can lead to peeling, blistering, and even long-term damage. The advantage of sunscreen lies in its ability to protect the skin from burning, ensuring that all your outdoor fun does not cost you a week of medicating.

  • Preventing Skin Cancer

    • One of the glaringly important uses of sunscreen is its role in preventing skin cancer caused by prolonged exposure to UV. While sunlight might not seem like much today, the effects of radiation can alter the DNA in skin cells over time. In some cases, these lead to mutations that can cause skin cancer. Regular use of sunscreen products has the potential to reduce this risk, answering why sunscreen is important.

Lesser-Known Advantages of Sunscreen

Everyone knows the common pros of sunscreen, but the skincare hero does more than we realise. So, dive right into the different ways in which sunscreen benefits your skin.

  • No Hyperpigmentation

    We all know what an unwanted tan can feel like. But wait till you hear about dark spots and melasma caused by sun exposure. Sunscreen benefits are all about preventing these spots and patches by protecting the skin from UV rays that trigger excess melanin production. This advantage of sunscreen is particularly important for Indian skin that is already prone to pigmentation. If you’re trying to get rid of existing dark spots, use the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Dark Spot Brightening serum for even, brightened skin.

  • Reduces Inflammation

    While a little bit of flush looks pretty, intense inflammation can leave your skin in pain and cause acne. Long hours of UV exposure trigger redness in the face, especially if you already have sensitive skin that is prone to conditions like rosacea. Sunscreen benefits your skin by acting like a barrier, reducing these heat reactions, and promoting a more even-toned skin.

  • Maintains Skin Barrier

    The skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin that protects you against pollutants and allergens while maintaining moisture levels. However, too much sun exposure can damage the functioning of your skin barrier. This leaves you with dry, vulnerable, and ashy skin. The advantages of sunscreen help you maintain your skin’s protective layer and moisture levels. If you are facing dryness already, try the L’Oréal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Serum Sheet Mask to hydrate your dry skin from within.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

You can gain maximum advantages of sunscreen by choosing the right one. Investing in the right products can make or break your morning skincare ritual and lifestyle. So, choose wisely by considering your skin type, its needs, and your daily routine, and watch how sunscreen benefits your skin and elevates your skincare game.

  1. Look for SPF & Broad-spectrum Protection

    Sun Protection Factor or SPF is a great indicator when it comes to tallying the pros of sunscreen. The SPF of a sunscreen indicates the level of protection it offers against UVB rays. Sunscreens with a good SPF will keep you protected from sunburns. Try to opt for broad-spectrum sunscreens, which also have PA++++ protection and an SPF of 30 or higher for adequate protection from both, UVA and UVB.

  2. Look for Water Resistance

    Whether you dive into swimming pools, love sports like surfing, or are generally surrounded by high humidity, understand the importance of sunscreen that’s water-resistant. Chemical sunscreens, that are absorbed into your skin easily, can protect you even when you’re sweating or in water.

  3. Understand Your Skin Type

    Lastly, one of the most important factors to consider is your skin type. The advantages of sunscreen only stand to benefit you if the product is suited for your skin type. For instance, if you have oily skin, try opting for a mattifying sunscreen. Non-greasy sunscreens such as the L’Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Matte and Fresh are a good pick. If you are trying to fix dull skin, try niacinamide sunscreens like the L’Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Bright and Clear for instant radiance.

Conclusion

The advantages of sunscreen go far beyond dodging a sunburn. Now that you know the importance of sunscreen, incorporate it into your daily routine and bask in the sun confidently while maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Need help with building your skincare routine? Head to the L’Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool that lets you analyse your skin like a pro and choose what’s best for your skin.