You must be wondering, ‘Sunscreen Day?!’ Yes, and why not, isn’t this a simple indication of the importance this one skincare product holds? National Sunscreen Day is celebrated on the 27th of May every year. It was started to spread awareness about the product, emphasising that it isn’t a beauty product or a skincare product only, but it contributes to your overall well-being.
Sunscreen is not a product that only protects from suntan and sun damage. It also works as your anti-ageing cream, fades away marks and hyperpigmentation, reverses early signs of ageing, and protects from skin cancer. If you ask us, it is not a bodyguard against harmful sun rays, but your utmost security for many other ailments.
The History of Sunscreen Day
The sunscreen was introduced as a topical product to protect the skin against harmful UV rays. It is the most basic and essential skincare product that has gained popularity for its myriad benefits.
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was introduced much later. It decides the time you can spend in the sun, without letting your skin be damaged by the UVB rays. Over time, sunscreen serum SPF 60 has also been introduced which once started as a simple cream with SPF as low as 2.
With so much information on National Sunscreen Day, let’s keep it light and know how you can celebrate this day, some interesting protection of sunscreen beyond UV protection, and tips to improve the layer of your sun protection.
Celebrating Sunscreen Day 2024
This day is for taking care of your skin and overall health. It is the perfect day to begin your skincare journey.
1. Buy the best sunscreen
The perfect sunscreen is the one that suits your skin type, special skin needs, sun exposure, and geographical location. These factors decide the type of sunscreen and the minimum SPF you need.
2. Apply the sunscreen regularly
This day, take a pledge to apply sunscreen regularly. An overcast day or a winter day shouldn’t be an excuse for missing out on sunscreen. The UV penetrates through the clouds and does much harm to the skin.
3. Spread liberally
Don’t limit your sunscreen application to your face and neck only. Any exposed part of the body to the sunrays needs to be protected with a layer of sunscreen. Whether go for sunscreen cream or the best sunscreen lotion, make sure you slather some on the exposed body parts.
Beyond Sun Protection
Sunscreen not only safeguards the skin from UV rays, suntan, and sunburn but also protects and repairs the skin in many ways.
1. Protection against skin cancer
One of the major causes of skin cancer around the world is exposure to UV rays. The skin can be easily protected by slathering sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure and re-applying it after 2 hours.
2. Delaying skin ageing
Environmental stressors cause early skin ageing. They affect free radicals, loosening of the skin, wrinkles and fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen Serum SPF 60 works to synthesise collagen and free radicals, delaying premature skin ageing and, in some cases, reversing the ageing signs.
3. Bright and clean skin
Dark spots and hyperpigmentation cause melanin patches on the skin. Sunscreen regulates melanin production and reduces sun spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots over time.
Tips to Level up Your Sunscreen Protection
The best sunscreen lotion despite protecting your skin from UV rays, cannot assure complete protection. Adding another layer of protection can be helpful in maintaining your overall health.
1. Follow the two-finger rule
Don’t compromise on using the right quantity of sunscreen. Follow the two-finger rule to get adequate sunscreen for UV protection.
2. Apply and re-apply
Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before stepping out and re-apply every two hours, giving the sunscreen sufficient time to be absorbed and work its magic.
3. Re-apply after sweating or water activity
Sunscreen is water resistant but not waterproof or sweatproof. This means it can work for some time in water or while sweating but cannot work for long. Therefore, you need to reapply the best sunscreen after sweating or water activities.
4. Avoid peak hours
Avoid going out in the sun between 11 am to 4 pm. These are the peak hours when UV rays are at their worst, affecting the skin and body adversely. If required, do not leave without sunscreen and seek shade.
5. Add more protection
Cover your body with loose and breathable clothes that do not suffocate the skin. Wear sunglasses and a cap to protect the eyes, under-eye area, forehead, and head. This will increase your sun protection and keep your body cool and UV rays protected.
Sunscreen Day 2024 is the best day to begin your sun protection journey. Start using sunscreen in your AM skincare routine and pledge to use it daily for its varied benefits. Whether you are looking for the best sunscreen for combination skin or one with the goodness of herbal extracts, go for the wide range of Lotus Herbals sunscreens that are curated to meet the needs of every skin type and particular skin concerns. Stay healthy in sun-kissed skin, but not the sun-damaged skin!