Many of us cannot imagine sunscreen without sunshine and, more specifically, without the tropical summer on the beach. Well, fun fact for you: sunscreen is needed in the winter, and on days when it’s cloudy outside as well. Yes, because damaging UV rays can get through clouds and even in winter you need to protect your skin – premature aging, pigmentation and an increased risk of skin cancer.
A reliable dermatologist, Dr. Shruti Kakar, affirms that sun protection should be a daily practice irrespective of the climate. In this article, I’ll discuss why SPF is a necessity throughout the year and share some of the useful tips that will help to integrate SPF into your daily routine.
SPF in Winter: Why It’s Non-Negotiable
Winter days may not look like they will scorch your face from the amount of sunshine they present, but the sunlight is still there. UVB rays, the ones that directly burn the skin, are not as powerful in the winter, but UVA, the rays that cause skin aging and other types of damage are still as potent. These rays can go through a cloudy sky, a glass window, and even on a very cloudy day so to speak.
Skipping sunscreen in winter leaves your skin vulnerable to:
- Accumulated UV damage leading to premature wrinkles.
- Dermatological conditions like dryness & pigmentation become worse by exposure to ultraviolet light.
- Cold weather conditions which make your skin become sensitive to harm.
Best Tips on How to Stay Protected throughout the Year
1. Use SPF For Your Final Step Every Morning.
Apply sunscreen at the end of your skin care regimen—after the moisturizer and before applying makeup and/or setting your face with powder. When choosing the product, bear in mind that it should be sheer and absorb any oils on the face without leaving a residue.
2. Don’t Forget “Hidden” Areas
Don’t forget about areas that are commonly missed on your neck/ears and the back of your hands. These areas of the skin are as sensitive to the UV radiation as any other and first of all become a sign of a person’s age.
3. Reapply, Even Indoors
If you are at the office, near the window or under artificial lights – remember about the sunscreen and apply it every 2-3 hours. This is particularly great to carry in your purse for touch-ups from a normal powder SPF or spray sunscreen.
4. Invest in a Lip Balm with SPF
Wait, isn’t that not enough; your lips also require protection. Select an SPF containing lip balm for lips that cannot be protected from chapping and pigmentation due to sun exposure.
5. Pair SPF with Antioxidants
When using sunscreen, get the best results by even applying a vitamin C serum. Antioxidants work against the skin-damaging free radicals and will enhance the SPF protection giving skin a beautiful and protected look.
6. Select for wide-ranging coverage
Choosing your sunscreen, make sure you go for a sunscreen that is a UVA/UVB protectant. Dermatologists including Dr. Shruti Kakar suggest using SPF 30 or higher on your skin.
Bust Of The ‘Cloudy Day Myth’
One of the myths that everybody keeps on believing is that one cannot apply sunscreen on a cloudy day. Surprisingly, it can range that up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can actually travel through the cloud cover. It also means your skin undergoes damage during the time that the sun is not visible.
Why Dermatologist Recommend using Sunscreen Everyday
According to Dr Shruti Kakar: “your skin health is an ongoing process.” Besides fading the signs and of aging everyday sunscreen use has been proven to help in decreasing chances of skin cancer. ‘The first thing you do, when cleaning your face, is wash it. Without a doubt, it’s the best thing you can do for your skin.’
She even educates patients about using sunscreen as a mandatory item in their daily lives all year round irrespective of their age and skin type.
Welcome to Taking The First Step Towards Healthier Skin
Spending the year round wearing SPF is not merely to avoid having a sunburn, but to build and maintain healthy skin. Regardless of whether it is winter, a day with cloudy sky or you are inside the house, sunscreen should be the buddy of your skin.
Start today — And Your Future self will thank you!