5 Reasons Why It’s Important To Wear Sunscreen Even In The Winter

It’s that time of year again when the weather gets colder and the days get shorter. And while you may be excited to break out your cozy sweaters and warm drinks, don’t forget about one important thing: sunscreen. You may think that because there’s less sun in the winter, you don’t need to worry about sunscreen. But the reality is, you should be wearing sunscreen all year round – even in the winter. Here are five reasons why:

Ultraviolet Rays Can Penetrate Clouds

When people think of sunscreen, they usually associate it with warm weather and days spent at the beach. However, it’s just as important to wear sunscreen in winter, when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate clouds.

UV rays are electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the naked eye. They are divided into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays have the longest wavelength and can penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkles. UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and are responsible for sunburns. UVC rays have the shortest wavelength but are mostly absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and don’t reach the ground.

Despite being invisible, UV rays can have harmful effects on your health. Exposure to UV radiation has been linked to skin cancer, eye damage, immune system suppression, and other health problems.

That’s why it’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays year-round by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours (between 10 am and 4 pm).

Snow And Water Reflect Sunlight

When the sun’s rays reflect off of snow or water, they can be just as harmful as when they hit you directly. In fact, snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays, while the water reflects up to 100%. So if you’re spending time outdoors in the winter, make sure to apply sunscreen to exposed skin and wear protective clothing, like a hat and sunglasses.

High Altitudes Increase UV Exposure

When the sun’s UV rays hit the Earth’s atmosphere, they are scattered in all directions. A small amount of UV radiation reaches the ground, even on cloudy days. At high altitudes, there is less atmosphere to scatter the UV rays, so more UV radiation reaches the ground. This is why it’s important to wear sunscreen even in the winter, when you may be spending time at high altitudes.

Certain Medications Make Skin More Sensitive To The Sun

A few different types of medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. These include, but are not limited to:

• Antibiotics: Tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline are common antibiotics that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen and naproxen are common NSAIDs that can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
• Diuretics: Medications like furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide can cause your body to lose water and make your skin more dry and susceptible to burning.

If you are taking any of these medications, it is important to take extra precautions when spending time outdoors, even in the winter. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and limit your time in direct sunlight.

Layering Sunscreen With Clothing Protects The Skin From The Sun

When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, layering sunscreen with clothing is one of the best things you can do. Clothing provides a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Sunscreen helps by providing additional protection against the sun’s rays. When applied correctly, sunscreen can help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreens provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays are the main cause of premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. They can also penetrate through glass, so it’s important to protect your skin even when you’re indoors.

UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns. They can also damage the DNA in your skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer.

You should apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin, including your face, neck, ears, and hands. Be sure to reapply every two hours or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.

Enhanced Aesthetics & Wellness Can Help You Repair Sun-Damaged Skin

When it comes to your skin, the sun can be both a friend and foe. On the one hand, a little sun exposure is essential for vitamin D production. But on the other hand, too much sun exposure can leave your skin dry, wrinkled, and saggy.

If you’ve spent too much time in the sun without proper protection, you may wonder how to repair sun-damaged skin. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help improve the appearance of your skin.

One of the best ways to repair sun-damaged skin is to use products that contain retinoids, or vitamin A. Retinoids help to speed up cell turnover and promote collagen production, both of which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin A also helps to fight free radical damage, another cause of premature aging.

In addition to using products that contain retinoids or vitamin A, there are a few other things you can do to help repair sun-damaged skin:

• Use a gentle cleanser: Cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day will help remove dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Choosing a cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils is important, as this can further contribute to dryness and irritation.
• Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating your skin regularly will help slough away dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull and dry. You can use a physical exfoliator (like a scrub or brush) or a chemical exfoliator (like an AHA or BHA). Just be sure to use an appropriate exfoliator for your skin type to avoid irritation.
• Moisturize daily: Moisturizing your skin is essential for keeping it hydrated, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or another hydrating ingredient. Apply your moisturizer to clean damp skin every morning and evening.
• Wear sunscreen: One of the best ways to prevent sun damage is to wear sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy outside. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours (or more often if you’re sweating or swimming).

If you’re concerned about the appearance of sun-damaged skin, contact Enhanced Aesthetics & Wellness today. There are a number of treatments available that can help improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, including laser resurfacing.