The sun is your friend in moderation. It is necessary to produce vitamin D in our bodies, it provides us with life and energy, and it can also give you a desirable skin tone. Although, too much sun is not a good thing. The sun can cause skin damage which can range from wrinkled skin, to fatal skin cancer.
I would venture to say that your daily habits don’t involve applying sunscreen unless you are going to the beach, barbecue, or walking trail. The fact is that sunscreen has other benefits besides protecting you from the most serious burns that you may not be aware of.
Who Says It Can Keep You From Aging?
A recent long term study from the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that sunscreen that is applied everyday can prevent your skin from aging as quickly.
This study involved 900 participants from Australia in between the ages of 25 and 55. This study group is very valid because Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer related deaths.
This particular study lasted for a 4 year time frame. Throughout the study, half the group was told to apply sunscreen every single day to their head, neck, arms, and hands. The other group was advised to simply apply at their own discretion.
Another group was given a beta-carotene supplement, which is an antioxidant that is said to have anti aging effects. Others were given a placebo pill.
At the end of the study researchers observed the condition participants’ skin. Dryness, wrinkles, pigmentation, and lack of elasticity are all signs of damage that were compared from the beginning to the end of the study.
The researchers noted that the group who applied sunscreen everyday had 24% less aged skin due to sun damage. The group who took the beta-carotene supplement didn’t see any positive effects.
Now that you know that sunscreen will keep your skin looking young and healthy, let’s address another question that has been brought up.
Are The Chemicals In Sunscreen Bad For You?
Numerous sources question the safety of the chemicals that are mixed into sunscreens. The fact is that the FDA (Food And Drug Administration) regulates every sunscreen that’s on the store shelf.
Oxybenzone is one ingredient in question. It is what blocks the UVA and UVB rays that can have cancer causing effects. The FDA has approved this ingredient for people 6 years and older. There have been no studies suggesting that it can cause any harmful side effects or diseases.
Retinyl palmitate is the other ingredient that many people are not sure about. This helps to prevent premature aging, and it is also mixed into many cosmetics to reverse signs of skin damage. There have been no studies showing that this ingredient is harmful either.
For the time being, science has made a pretty clear verdict that sunscreen is safe, and actually effective at keeping your skin nice and healthy looking. To get the best results, dermatologists recommend that you use a “broad spectrum” lotion that blocks UVA and UVB rays. It’s also recommended to use at least a 30 spf product that is water resistant.
If you had any previous doubts about using sunscreen I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you are a sunscreen user leave a comment below and let us know which one works best for you. If you liked the article please share it with your friends on facebook. If you’re concerned with your skin you may be surprised to see 12 Unbelievable Health Advantages Of Lemons. They have some skin healing power as well.
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