Skipping sun protection in the winter is one of the worst things you can do for your skin, even if it may not seem "sunny" outdoors. Here are six explanations for why you should always be protecting your skin from the sun, even in the winter.
1. Sunscreen is a crucial component of your skincare routine.
Remembering to put on sunscreen in the summer is simple because of visual cues like the sun's intensity and the increased body temperature. There is a common misconception that the sun isn't as powerful in the winter; however, this is false. No matter the season or temperature, sunscreen should always be part of your daily regimen. Using it throughout the winter is crucial, and here's why.
2. Clouds in the winter do not block all UV radiation.
Even though it may appear like nothing is getting through the winter clouds, up to 80% of the sun's rays may really make it through. The dermatologist of Washington Square Dermatology in New York City, Dr. Samer Jaber, says that there are two kinds of UV radiation that harm humans, and that one of them is still very hazardous even in the winter. "UV is always present and can penetrate clouds, glass, and deeper into the skin.
"UV damages deeper skin layers, causing premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer," says Dr. Jaber. In contrast, the amount and type of UV rays change with the seasons.On bright summer days, the amount of UV radiation present is higher. He explains, "They cause sunburns and skin cancer because they harm the skin's outermost layers." The takeaway here is that your skin requires UV protection all year round, not just in the summer.
3. Sunscreen is an effective anti-aging tool.
If there's any time of year when you want to take extra precautions to protect your skin from dryness and wrinkles, it's winter, so don't forget to put on the sunscreen and use it to keep your skin looking fresh and young. The skin suffers greatly from the harshness of winter weather, which is both drying and exhausting. Thankfully, research shows that sunscreen may slow the ageing process. (These revolutionary new anti-aging medicines are also useful.)
"UV rays damage collagen and elastin in your skin, resulting in the acceleration of fine lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Jaber. "There have been numerous studies that have shown that regular use of sunscreen has anti-aging effects, but the best was an Australian study published in 2013," says Dr. Jaber. Over the course of four years, scientists compared the skin ageing of 900 Australian men and women.
The researchers observed that those who regularly used sunscreen showed no signs of premature skin ageing. When compared to those who didn't use sunscreen, they aged 24% less overall. Since the average age of the participants was 39, this study proves that it is never too late to start using sunscreen. Choose a transparent sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and additional anti-aging benefits, such as the Glow-Protect Vitamin C SPF 30 Day Moisturiser,
4. Protection is necessary even while indoors.
Even if you work in an office, sunscreen is still necessary.This is particularly the case if your workplace has a lot of windows or if you commute by car. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that glass effectively blocks UV radiation but not UV rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation says that the same applies for the windows of Aeroplanes, buses, and autos. Your skin may be affected even by this little exposure to sunshine.
Researchers noticed that the side of people's faces that faced the window had more signs of aging, such as wrinkles and crow's feet. There is, of course, the potential problem posed by the blue light emitted by electronic devices. Too much exposure to blue light has been linked to cellular irregularities and even mortality, according to some studies. While some studies have shown that blue light may be useful in curing acne, the jury is still out on the topic. Applying sunscreen won't do any harm, so why not do it?
5. UV exposure is increased while engaging in winter activities.
There is a 5% increase in UV radiation for every 1,000 feet above sea level, as reported by the Skin Cancer Foundation. This implies that the higher your altitude, the greater your exposure to potentially dangerous ultraviolet radiation. Furthermore, snow reflects and amplifies sunlight, increasing the likelihood of sunburn. Always use a sport sunscreen with at least 30 SPF if you intend on skiing, snowboarding, or staying in a mountain chalet this winter. You may simply carry the Glow-Protect Vitamin C SPF 30 Day Moisturiser, in the pocket of your ski jacket for touch-ups on the go.
6. Sunscreen is more quickly diminished by the colder winter weather.
On a hot day at the beach, sunscreen will sweat off, so be sure to reapply often. The severe winter weather may speed up the erosion of your sunscreen, although few people know this. The Skin Cancer Foundation warns that sunscreen is less effective in the winter due to the wear and tear caused by snow and wind. Instead, you should reapply every two hours and right after sweating if you're outside in the cold. The Bright and Fresh UV Defense SPF 30 Moisturizer is one option.
Getting skin cancer in the winter is possible.
As smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of lung cancer at any time of year, so too can prolonged sun exposure. Cloudy, chilly days do not slow the progress of cancer. You may not be thinking about the sun as much in the winter, but that doesn't make it any farther away. Although the danger of developing skin cancer is reduced during the winter months, it is still important to take precautions.
Dr. Jaber estimates that 20% of American adults will get skin cancer over the course of their lives. Everybody should use sunscreen every day, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Free radicals are formed, DNA is damaged, and mutations occur when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Ninety percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are linked to UV exposure from the sun, which causes DNA damage and may lead to skin cancer.
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