Why you should use UV protection even during the winter months
According to studies, only 30% of women and 15% of men regularly use UV protection. And while it may not seem like the sun's rays are as strong and don't radiate as much heat during the winter, ultraviolet (UV) radiation continues to break down your skin cells and contribute to the phenomenon of photoaging.
Photoaging is the premature aging of your skin that is involved in most signs of aging and can make you look older by accelerating the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, sun and pigment spots.
Plus, according to NASA, snow and ice can reflect up to 90% of these rays and increase their intensity, so it's especially important to protect your skin.
As illogical as it may seem, during the winter months, the northern hemisphere of the Earth is closer to the sun. Even though temperatures are lower due to the tilt of the Earth, we are physically closer to the harmful UV rays.
Which sunscreen to use?
Everyone should use a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has a minimum of SPF 30 protection, which blocks about 97% of harmful UV rays.
The best sunscreen is the one that suits your needs. There are many variations of textures and finishes on the market. If you are an active athlete, you should use a cream that is water and sweat resistant. If you are in higher altitudes, it is better to use SPF 50 or higher.
If you feel that your sunscreen is crumbling or leaving your skin too shiny, there are also creams that have an almost invisible finish or have a mattifying effect. Of course, there are now sunscreens for people with acne-prone skin that don't cause clogged pores.
A few tips to keep your skin safe from UV rays these months:
- Wear UV protection on all exposed skin, ideally including your lips.
- Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go out in the sun
- To be effective, you should reapply UV protection after 2 hours
It's never too late to start using sunscreen to slow down the photoaging effect. UV protection should be an integral part of your morning routine.
