Masuk Free Press

On a bright summer day, your skin will be under constant attack from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Without being protected, there is a likely chance of there being substantial amounts of damage being done. From a young age, we have been told that sunscreen is the savior to this problem. 

However, it can lead to the questions, how effective is sunscreen really in protecting your skin? And do Masuk students even consider wearing sunscreen? 

“In the summer, I get burnt a little or a lot whether I wear sunscreen or not,” said freshman Maya Dodge. “When I don’t wear it at all I always get burnt every time on my cheeks.” 

When most individuals think of why sunscreen is needed, what first comes to mind is skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the world: one in five people in the U.S. will have it in their lifetime.

Recent data from the Skin Cancer Foundation shows that, “Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen, when used as directed, can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.”

After getting burned multiple times, that allows the skin to have malignant growth and numerous other skin issues. 

Not only does sunscreen help prevent skin cancer but it is also commonly known to assist with aging. Sunscreen can delay skin maturing brought by the sun including wrinkles and age spots. This is because sunscreen either blocks or absorbs the UV rays before they can damage the skin, protecting it from any harm. 

The National Library of Medicine reports that, “Repeated exposure to UV increases the degradation of collagen and alters the synthesis of new collagen accompanied by alterations in elastin fibers. The absence of both collagen and elastin in the skin leads to loss of its flexibility and strength.”

For some individuals, sunscreen can become a hassle during the summer season. People with sensitive skin might have to apply sunscreen with a high SPF multiple times, while others might only have to put it on once and be done. 

“I either have to put a full layer of the cream sunscreen on or drench myself in the spray every five minutes to go without being burnt.” said sophomore Joy Bray. 

As teenagers, we have a tendency to forget to put on sunscreen even though we know we should. From someone who has sensitive skin, I can not count how many times I have gotten burnt from just pure forgetfulness. Even this past Spring Fling, when the UV was 8, I got a sunburn. Nevertheless this experience is not uncommon. 

“Last weekend I was at my cousin’s lacrosse game and my mom told me I had to put on sunscreen,” continued Bray. “She sprayed a really bad coat of sunscreen and forgot to give me another coat. Now I’m really burnt, my tan line is horrible and my skin is super itchy and peeling.” 

While many might think getting burnt may be funny or turn into a nice tan, this is just not true. Some burns can be very painful and may take weeks to fade away.

“A couple summers ago I burnt my shoulders really bad because I didn’t put any sunscreen on,” said sophomore Emma Maldanado. “It was so painful because my skin felt like it was on fire. It took a couple weeks to go away since it peeled for a couple of days.” 

Summer is now closer than ever and hot days are approaching, so it is important to remember to put on sunscreen. Even if you think your skin will be fine, the sun will still do its job and cause harm. 

“During the summer I usually put on sunscreen everyday since I know my skin gets really sensitive. I think it’s important to put on sunscreen because I don’t really want to get skin cancer when I’m older,” continued Maldanado. 

Even though it may seem like a dumb, useless cream or spray, sunscreen is proven to help keep your skin healthy and safe. So the next time your mom tells you to put on sunscreen before you leave the house, it is best if you just listen.