​In the summer season, we all rush to grab that bottle of sunscreen lotion. However, applying sunscreen should never be restricted to summer alone. Summer or winter, the need for shielding your skin from the harsh rays of the sun is essential. And, sunscreen does that job for you.

Why You Should Wear Sunscreen?

1. Shields From Harmful UV Rays: The continuously depleting ozone layer, especially in New Zealand, has put us at a higher risk of getting affected from the harmful rays of the sun. While you do need the sun for your daily dose of Vitamin D, it does not imply that you should put your health at risk! Applying sunscreen actually blocks these harmful rays from penetrating the skin and triggering skin disorders.

2. Prevents Premature Ageing: All of us love to have younger looking, fresh and healthy skin. And, this is one of the most convincing reasons to start using sunscreen. It shields your skin from developing signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Studies reveal that people below the age of 55 who used sunscreen had 24% lesser chances of developing these ageing signs than non-sunscreen and occasional sunscreen users.

3. Lowers Skin Cancer Risks: Sunscreen is a health benefit. Wear your sunscreen daily and over the days and months to shield your skin from the risk of various types of skin cancer, especially, melanoma. This is the worst type of skin cancers, which can be life threatening for women, particularly those who are in their 20s.

4. Lowers Pigmentation on the Face: Apply sunscreen liberally on your face to prevent the onset of that irritating blotchiness and eruptions of red veins. This is also essential to prevent the onset of acne and other sun rays- induced damages.

5. Prevents Sunburns: Sunburns weaken your skin, subjecting it more to bruises. Your skin may suffer repeated attacks of peeling, swelling, redness, hives, and itching. And, this comes from the influence of UVB rays. The blisters can escalate the risk of skin cancer. A study published in ‘Annals of Epidemiology’ in August 2008, suggested that recurring occurrences of sunburns could actually put you at a higher risk of lethal melanoma. So, apply sunscreen and stay safe.

6. Prevents Tanning: A Tan is healthy looking – this attitude still persists. However, while you are sunbathing to tan, you are at the risk of being harmed by the harsh ultraviolet B rays. Choose a sunscreen that has a minimum of sun protection factor 30 to prevent tanning induced by UVB. And, make sure you reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you have a sensitive skin. Or, just after your exercise, as sweat could wash away the protective coating.

7. Enhances Health of the Skin: The essential skin proteins, such as collagen, keratin, and elastin are protected by sunscreen. These proteins are required for keeping the skin smooth and healthy. Make sure your sun block has titanium oxide in it for endowing these benefits to the skin. The Medik8 range provides all the necessary protection needed as it contains Titanium Oxide and Zinc Oxide.

Sunscreens For Dry Skin ]
8. A Good Cosmetic Option: Now-a- days, you get sunscreens that also doubles up as a moisturiser. Just apply Medik8 Hydr8 Day SPF 15 or 30 in the morning and it will last you all day. It blocks the harmful rays whilst hydrating the skin and helps make the skin looks radiant. If you have a dry skin or sensitive skin, make sure you reapply a coating every now and then for better safety of your skin.

9. You May Not Have to Reapply After a Swim: Most of the sunscreens or sun blocks available these days are waterproof, but it always pay to check, especially the cheaper brands. This enables you to enjoy yourself in the water, without burning yourself

10. Sunscreen Offers Better Protection Than a Full Sleeve Dress: You cannot safeguard yourself from the sun by wearing a full-sleeve dress! Do you know that a cotton dress, particularly when damp, offers zero protection from the harmful rays of the sun? Just apply a generous amount of sunscreen under the dress as well.

How to Use Sunscreen? There are a few factors that you need to keep in mind while picking up the sunscreen and using it everyday:

1. Always read the ingredient list and make sure your sunscreen contain the following:

• Titanium dioxide
• Octyl methoxycinnimate (OMC)
• Avobenzone (also parsol)
• Zinc oxide

2. Opt for a broad spectrum sunscreen lotion or gel that is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. Such sun creams will shield you from ultraviolet rays, both A and B, while safeguarding you from rashes, clogged pores, acne, and sun burns.
3. Choose a sunscreen that is waterproof and comes with a minimum SPF of 30.
4. Always apply sunscreen half an hour before you come into contact with the sun.
How Often to Use Sunscreens?
Sunscreens act as a shield against the harmful UV rays which penetrates every time your skin is exposed to the sun. It is therefore advisable to use sunscreen everyday. You may not notice the benefits now, but the advantage of using sunscreen is felt in the long run. If you are out in the sun for a long time either working or enjoying a sunbath in the beach, it is better to reapply sunscreen after every two hours to protect your skin from sunburns.
There is no specific time to start using sunscreen. It is always better to be late rather than never. Enjoy the sun 365 days with a liberal dab of sunscreen.