You probably know that keeping your skin clean and clear is a vital part of your health and beauty routine. But did you know that an essential component of good skin care involves applying sunscreen to your face every day? Well, you probably did know that, but you should also know that you should do this throughout winter as well.
That’s because the sun can damage our skin all year long, even in cold or cool temperatures. As a result, dermatologists recommend that anyone over the age of six months should wear sunscreen when outdoors at all times, using at least an SPF 15 or higher. Even with lots of clouds outside, UV rays still get through. In fact, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful rays can get through clouds.
If you’re a female who dons makeup every day, it’s easy. All you have to do is look for a foundation with SPF in it already. If you’re a guy, you’ll have to choose a moisturizer with SPF in it and apply every day after getting out of the shower.
Solutions
Special precautions should be taken by those who sit by a window all day long, such as in an office or in a truck. Pay special attention to your arms. Don’t think you’re protected by the glass. UV rays still get through glass. When you fail to protect your skin, you experience damage to the deeper skin layers, often resulting in premature aging and an increase in risk for skin cancer.
If you have a scar that gets exposure to the sun, such as on your legs, arm or face, wearing sunscreen is even more critical. You may see the rest of your skin tan nicely, but the scar will only stay white, making the contrast even more noticeable. Melanin is the substance in your skin that gives it color. It can also produce uneven patches in areas of scarring. When you have too much melanin, hyper-pigmentation results.
Prevent Wrinkles
When you apply sunscreen year round, you keep dry skin and wrinkles at bay due to its anti-aging properties, according to Reader’s Digest. UV rays break down collagen and elastin in the skin, quickening the progression of fine lines and wrinkles. Without constant use of sunscreen, you can also develop age spots and freckles. Studies show that low doses of ambient and infrared light can stimulate pigment cells. This type of light is what’s emitted from overhead bulbs and computer screens. Bet you didn’t know that sunscreen could also protect you from your own home and office!
If you participate in winter sports, sunscreen – preferably SPF 30 or higher – is critical. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation says that UV-radiation goes up by five percent with every one-thousand feet you get over sea level. Not only that, the snow reflects and magnifies sunlight, causing burns. If you’re going to go skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, put your sunscreen on all exposed areas.
If you need the services of a dermatologist or other skin care expert, check out our listings on Wall Directory. We have all the local businesses you need to connect with to keep your skin looking great!