Shield and Shine

She smoothed sunscreen across her skin like armor made of care. Broad-spectrum sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer and prevents premature skin aging by blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).

Daily sun protection has also been linked to improved long-term skin appearance, including reduced hyperpigmentation and wrinkles (Green et al. 610). She checked the mirror once and nodded. Beauty did not ask for damage. It asked for protection and consistency.

Works Cited (MLA)
Green, Adele C., et al. “Reduced Melanoma After Regular Sunscreen Use: Randomized Trial Follow-Up.” Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 29, no. 3, 2011, pp. 257–263.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. FDA, 2023.