As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer, people will spend more and more time outdoors. Wearing sunscreen while outside is as essential to overall health as other habits recommended by a physician, such as drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet. Here are a few reasons why it's important to wear sunscreen daily.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen Every Day?

1. Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer

The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation—UVA and UVB. Both play a role in the formation of skin cancers, which is the most common type of cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Sunscreen blocks UV rays from reaching and damaging cells. It's best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher with water resistance daily.

2. Slow Down Signs of Aging

UVA rays are also connected to premature skin aging, as they can break down collagen and elastin. As a result, spending a lot of time unprotected in the sun can lead to wrinkles, lines, sagging, dark spots and dryness. Wearing sunscreen can help you retain bright, firm, youthful-looking skin. Applying sunscreen every day can result in 24% less skin aging than using it intermittently.

3. Prevent Sunburns

UVB rays are the culprit behind sunburn, which can make your skin red, painful, and inflamed. If severe, a sunburn can cause blisters, headache, nausea, fever, chills, dizziness, vision problems, and other conditions that require treatment by a physician. Later on, affected skin will likely become flaky and peel off. Repeated sunburns speed up the skin's aging process and increase the risk of melanomas. Make sure to use sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy outside. 

If you're worried about skin cancer or sunburn, contact the physicians at Taylor Regional Hospital in Campbellsville, KY. For over 50 years, the hospital has been providing urgent care and additional services to residents throughout the region. Learn more about how the team will help you online, and call (270) 465-3561 for assistance. Connect on Facebook for news alerts.