Do you need sunscreen in winter?

Many people mistakenly believe that sunscreen is not a necessity in winter Although the sun might not feel as strong in the winter, it's a huge mistake to skip sunscreen during this time. In winter heat sensation decreases, but the sunny winter days deserve the same attention as in summer. Your skin needs year-round protection to remain healthy and vibrant. You may not be spending much time outdoors in the winter months, but your face, neck and hands are still exposed to harmful rays.

Even when it's cloudy and snowy, wearing sunscreen in the winter is a crucial part of maintaining your skin’s health. Winter weather is incredibly drying and taxing on skin. While the UVB rays that cause sunburn decrease in the winter, exposure to UVA rays can still occur in the colder winter months. The earth is closest to the sun in the middle of the winter, and UVA rays can easily penetrate through glass and clouds. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of the sun's rays can still penetrate the clouds in the winter months.

At this point, you're probably wondering what is so bad about UVA rays. Well, UV exposure prompts a chain reaction of processes in the skin. Exposure to Ultraviolet radiation (UV) results in free radical formation which causes oxidative stress in skincells, inflammation, DNA damage, andeven DNA mutations. UVA massively contributes to skin cancer, darkspots, and premature aging. How? UVA damages deeper skin layers, damaging collagen and elastin in your skin and resulting in na acceleration of fine lines and wrinkles. And because collagen is the major structural componente of theskin, any alteration in it’s production or degradation could have severe and profound effects on cutaneous functional integrity. Photoaging is the term given to UV induced aging of the skin; it is typically characterized by dyspigmentation, thickening of the skin, loss of elasticity, lines, and wrinkles.

While skin aging is anatural process,many damages can be prevented by using sunscreen in winter. Sun screen is na ally in keeping your skin healthy and vibrant for as long as possible. It is a crucial addition to your skin care routine. Using broad-spectrum protection in winter has real anti-aging properties. In my experience one of the best sunscreens you can find on the Market is LaRoche Posay. I have been using it for years and it is my best arsenal against aging skin. It was recommended to me by my dermatologist. I use it every morning year-round. For the best protection find one that has an SPF of 30 to 50. It can be found in many forms, and they all have a light weight, fast-absorbing textures and provide a non-whitening, matte finish and is suitable for all skin types. With it’s anti oxidant technology, you can be certain your skin will be protected.

Remember that winter's harsh conditions erode your sunscreen even faster. Expert shighly recommended that during winter, you apply your sunscreen in the morning and afternoon. I am a busy working mom who is always on the go. In the afternoon I use ISDIN Sunbrush with SPF 30. It is a powder that you can take with you, and it contains a popup brush for easy application. It is lightweight and you can even use it over your makeup. It also works well on makeup free skin. Remember, sunscreen should be incorporated into your lifestyle all year-round to protect your skin and maintain your collagen levels.