WHY YOU NEED SPF IN THE WINTER

You know you need to wear sunscreen during the sunnier months of the year, but have you ever thought about whether or not you need it during the darker, colder months of winter? 

Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret - even if you know to wear sunscreen during the sunnier summer months, only 10% of Americans wear sunscreen... with even less wearing it when the seasons change. 

DO I NEED SPF DURING THE WINTER?

Yes! The sun may not feel as strong or hot during the winter months, but since the ozone layer is at its thinnest at this time of year, UV rays are still very effective at harming your skin. 

Even in the coldest parts of the year, UVA and UVB rays will break down your skin, which can eventually lead to premature signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. 

And on top of regular exposure from the sun, snow and ice give UV radiation a little boost as well…

Since fresh snow and ice are so reflective, they can reflect up to 94% of UV rays. This nearly doubles your UV exposure, along with leaving your chin and underside of your nose more likely to experience sun damage. 

Worse, not protecting your skin with SPF during the winter increases risk of skin cancer. 

WHICH SUNSCREEN IS BEST THIS WINTER?

Everyone should use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 - SPF 30 blocks 97% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. But when it comes to finding the best source of SPF for your skin during the winter, some research will need to be done to meet your individual needs.

If you’re someone who loves doing outdoor activities during the colder months, (skiing, sledding, ice skating, hiking, snowboarding) it’s important to find a sunscreen that is both mineral based and water/sweat resistant.

And did you know that mineral ingredients are the only sunscreen ingredients deemed safe by the FDA? It's true.

HOW DO I USE SPF DURING THE WINTER?

Well, the same way you’d use it all year round! During the winter, the best way to keep your skin safe is to stick to these SPF rules that always apply, no matter what time of year it is.

1. Apply to any part of you that’s exposed, especially your face (even your lips!)
2. Apply at least 20 minutes before heading outside to allow the ingredients to absorb and start protecting your skin.
3. Remember the bottom of your nose and your chin - these are the most exposed to reflected UV rays.
4. Reapply at least every two hours, even sooner if you’re sweating. 

WEAR SPF ALL YEAR ROUND

To wrap it up, don’t underestimate the importance of wearing SPF all year round, especially during the winter months. While we often associate it with sunny summer days, the winter sun is still very harmful, especially when reflecting off snow and ice. 

Whether hitting the slopes or just stepping outside, protecting your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF is a must! 

So, embrace the habit of applying sunscreen, not just during the summer, but all year round as a safeguard against premature aging and skin cancer. After all, your skin deserves the year-round protection it needs to stay healthy and radiant!

Thank you for reading this article! If you want to learn more about the best products for your skin type, take our SKIN QUIZ here. You can also CONTACT US here or call us at (727) 286-7684 with any questions, we’d love to hear from you!

XOXO,

Denice