There are many misconceptions about the sun and its effects on our skin, but one of the most common is that it’s safe to wear sunscreen in winter. The fact is, UV rays can reach us all year round. So sunscreen should be worn not just during the summer months but also when there’s snow on the ground or you’re skiing out west! It helps keep your skin healthy and protected from premature aging- so don’t forget to apply every day.
After the winter season, your skin may feel dry and sore. This is due to excessively cold weather and lack of sun exposure during this time. The best way to combat these effects is by applying sunscreen daily during the winter months. It’s essential to wear SPF 30 or higher for adequate coverage against harmful UV rays, leading to premature aging and cancer-causing mutations in cells. Even though it feels like you’re wearing a lot, remember that it’s worth it because, without protection, you could be putting yourself at risk for severe damage.
Why should you wear sunscreen all year round?
In the winter, we often forget about our skin and don’t wear sunscreen regularly. We believe that we will not get sunburned because it is cold outside, or at least not as badly. However, this is a misconception with potentially dangerous consequences! The truth of the matter is that in low temperatures, your body does not produce any vitamin D from sunlight exposure, leading to decreased bone density and an increased risk for cancer. So if you want to avoid these risks, make sure you put lotion on before heading out into the snow!
Wearing sunscreen in the winter can be difficult because it does not go on as smoothly and is more likely to clump up. The best way to combat this is by using a high-quality moisturizer. It goes on smooth and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving an oily residue or feeling heavy.
A few other tips that can help include:
- applying sunscreen with your hands rather than rubbing it onto them;
- patting the lotion in instead of rubbing it across your skin;
- and wearing hats, scarves, gloves, long sleeves, pants, and closed shoes when outside, so you are less exposed to UV rays during daylight hours.
The importance to use sunscreen in cold weather
As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it’s important to remember your skin. Your skin is at its most vulnerable in cold weather because it loses moisture and gets more sensitive to damage from UV rays and wind. As a woman, you should be wearing sunscreen on your face year-round – even during winter – but if you’re going for a run or spending hours outside shoveling snow, keep these tips in mind:
- Apply an SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outdoors
- Always wear sunglasses (UV rays can penetrate clouds)
- Wear a hat if possible (they block UVB as well as UVA rays)
- Dress warmly; layers are best for retaining heat by trapping air close.