Have you ever wondered what happens to your skin after applying moisturiser or
sunscreen? Well, wonder no more my friend! As a dermatologist, I can tell you exactly what happens when you slather on these skincare products. And let me tell you, it’s quite
fascinating.
Let us begin with moisturiser. We’ve all heard that it’s critical to keep our skin hydrated, but what exactly does that entail? Moisturizer, in general, helps to seal in moisture
and prevent water loss from the skin. But it isn’t all. Moisturizer also softens and smoothes the skin, making it seem and feel suppler. Furthermore, it can aid in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. What a win-win situation! But hold on, there’s more. Did you know that moisturiser can also aid to increase the barrier function of your skin? Your skin has a natural barrier that protects it from environmental stressors such as pollution and extreme weather.
When this barrier is weakened, irritation, redness, and dryness can occur. However, by
applying an excellent moisturizer, you can help to preserve your skin’s barrier in good
condition.
Let us now discuss sunscreen. We’ve all heard that sunscreen is essential for shielding
our skin from the sun’s damaging rays. But what happens when you put it to use? To begin
with, sunscreen works by either absorbing or reflecting UV rays. This helps to protect your
skin cells from injury, which can lead to premature ageing and even skin cancer. So, in a
nutshell, sunscreen is a superhero for your skin.However, there is more to it than that. Did
you know that sunscreen can also assist in the prevention of hyperpigmentation? When
specific regions of your skin get darker than others, usually as a result of sun exposure, this is called melasma. You can help maintain your skin appearing even-toned and luminous by wearing sunscreen on a regular basis.
So, we’ve gone over the fundamentals of what happens when you apply moisturiser
and sunscreen. But what about some interesting facts? Did you know that the first
documented usage of sunscreen was in ancient Egypt? To protect their skin from the sun, the ancient Egyptians employed a blend of rice, jasmine, and lupine. Women in ancient Greece would apply an olive oil and sand combination to their skin to shield it from the sun’s rays.
That sounds a little abrasive to me.
But enough about antiquity. Let’s start with the present. Did you know there are
various varieties of sunscreen? There are both physical and chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens function by reflecting UV rays, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb them. If you have sensitive skin, you should choose a physical sunscreen because they are less irritating.
That’s it for now, folks, a crash course in what happens to your skin when you apply
moisturiser or sunscreen. So, the next time you apply your favourite skincare products, bear in mind that you’re not just hydrating or protecting your skin, but you’re also doing it a great favour by keeping it healthy and happy. Now go forth and shine!
