6 Powerful Benefits Of Using Sunscreen In Winter

Both the summer sun and the winter sun can harm your skin. So, you are under a misconception if you think you can skip wearing sunscreen during the winter months. Yes, nothing could be further from the truth if you believe that lack of sunlight and chilly temperatures pose no risk to your skin. Rather, sunscreen should be part of your skincare routine all through the year.

Let’s know more about the importance of sunscreen during the cold months and its various benefits.

There are many reasons for dermatologists to recommend wearing sunscreen even during the winters. For starters, you should know that the sun’s harmful UV rays can still damage your skin during the winter season. As such, the sun’s long-wave ultraviolet A rays and short-wave ultraviolet B rays can penetrate your skin and cause a host of skin conditions including skin aging, inflammation, sunburn, and skin cancer, among others. Besides, snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s UV radiation, which again means you need sun protection when playing during snowfall also. Moreover, cloud cover cannot block the UV rays completely. Studies indicate that up to 80% UV radiation can still penetrate cloud cover and cause skin damage, which means there is need to shield your skin even during cloudy weather. Also, residing in higher altitudes means that there is greater intensity of UV radiation. Hence, if you live in such areas, applying sunscreen becomes even more important to safeguard your skin from intensive sun exposure. Plus, if you engage in winter sports and outdoor activities, your skin is exposed to UV rays for long periods, which makes it important to wear sunscreen for protection from the sun. Moreover, you must not skip your sunscreen routine even if you spend time indoors. That’s because UV rays can even infiltrate your home windows and harm your skin.

• Reduces risk of skin disorders: By using sunscreen, you can protect your skin from the damaging action of the sun’s rays. This reduces your risk of skin concerns, including sun damage, skin cancer, and sunburn.
• Delays the Aging Process: Exposing your skin to the sun for long periods results in premature aging, which includes sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Now, you can look youthful by applying sunscreen regularly.
•  Improves Skin Health: The sun’s UV radiation can cause hyperpigmentation, which is characterized by dark spots on the skin. However, with sunscreen application, you can minimize hyperpigmentation, improve the appearance of dark spots, and have an even skin tone.
• Restores the skin’s barrier function: The combination of low humidity levels and cold dry air during wintertime can hamper your skin’s barrier function. Hence, your skin tends to become dry and sensitive. You can prevent such skin issues by using sunscreen. The moisturizing properties of sunscreen maintain your skin hydration, supporting your skin health.
• Safeguards Against Inflammation: Sunscreen works as a protective barrier against environmental elements that are responsible for cold sores, windburn, and other inflammatory conditions.

1. Broad-spectrum Varieties: Broad-spectrum sunscreens, such as Kosmoderma’s Photo Protect Sunscreen Gel 40+++, make for a good choice, offering protection from both the UVA and the UVB rays of the sun.
2. SPF 30 or more: The sunscreens with SPF 30 and higher impart adequate sun protection, which is why they should be your pick.
3. Hydrating Formula: The cold weather tends to dry your skin, so choose a sunscreen that keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized.
4. Non-comedogenic: A non-comedogenic sunscreen does not clog your pores. And by choosing such sunscreens, you can prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Tips on Using Sunscreen in Winter Ø  Apply sunscreen on all your face and body parts exposed to the sun, including your ears, neck, and hands.
Ø  If you are spending a lot of time outdoors, you must apply sunscreen every 3 to 4 hours.
Ø  Use moisturizer with sunscreen for an extra layer of hydration and protection.
Ø  Protect your lips from the sun’s rays, and prevent chapped and dry lips, by applying lip balm with SPF.
Ø  Choose specially formulated sunscreens that shield the delicate skin around your eyes from the sun’s glare.
Ø  Along with sunscreen, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and pants for greater coverage.
Ø  Avoid going out in the sun during peak sunlight hours, which is between 10 am and 4 pm.

On a concluding note, you now know that the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can penetrate your skin no matter the weather. Although the temperatures fall and the sun is not overly intense during the winter months, your skin is not safe from UV radiation. Thus, you must not skip your sunscreen routine even during the cold months. Even so, make sure to use sunscreens with SPF 30 or more for they provide sufficient protection. Kosmoderma’s Photo Protect Sunscreen Gel makes for a welcome addition to your winter skincare routine because its host of powerful ingredients (including vitamin-C, Ascorbic Acid, and Propylene Glycol) ensure optimal protection and hydration.

• Should I apply sunscreen daily during the cold season?

The general recommendation is to apply sunscreen every day, irrespective of snowy weather or cloudy skies. Remember, the sun’s rays can still penetrate your skin even if the weather is cold and this makes it important to wear sunscreen for sun protection throughout the year, including the winters.

• Does sunscreen offer protection against windburn?

By acting as a barrier, sunscreen safeguards your skin from the harmful effects of cold, dry winds. Nonetheless, you must also take other measures to shield your skin from the harsh winds, including applying creams and wearing scarves.

• Why apply sunscreen when indoors during winter?

The sun’s UV rays are not as intense indoors as compared to outdoors. However, the UVA and UVB rays can yet penetrate your house windows and damage your skin. That’s why you must also apply sunscreen even when you are in indoor spaces.