May 27 is Sunscreen Day, created to educate and build awareness to the importance of using sunscreen for protecting yourself and your loved ones from the harmful UV rays from the sun. Overexposure to the sun can cause a number of health problems, including immune suppression and skin cancer, and can also result in premature aging of your skin.
Even in ancient times, humans wanted products to protect their skin. Ancient Egyptians preferred the look of lighter skin to dark skin so they invented a sun lotion to maintain a lighter complexion. They mainly used rice bran, jasmine, and lupine in their sun lotions – and some of these ingredients are still used in sunscreens today.
Skin Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or more is recommended by medical professional advocates. Sunscreens should be used for all outdoor activities, including swimming, and sun screens should also be used on cloudy days as UV rays can penetrate through the clouds.
Sunscreen Day is a good reminder to make sure you apply (and reapply) your sunscreen whenever you go outside. Enjoy the nice weather and be sure to always wear your sunscreen!
