Is Sunscreen Still Necessary During Winter?

Sunscreen is another skincare myth, mostly perceived to be required only in summer. In winter, sunscreen is required as much as in summer. Although the sun might not be as vicious, its radiation is still too dangerous and can harm the skin.

UVA vs UVB Rays: Why Winter Sun Is Still Harmful

According to Dr Nirupama Parwanda, Dermatologist & Founder of Zolie Skin Clinic, “The sun emits two broad categories of ultraviolet (UV) rays that have an impact on our skin, namely, UVA and UVB. The UVB rays are more intense in summer, thus causing them to produce sunburn, whereas the UAV rays exist throughout the year, even during winter and on cloudy days. The UVA rays are deeper in penetration into the skin and cause premature ageing, wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin damage in the long run. That is why it is so easy to forget sunscreen during winter and just destroy your skin without even knowing it.”

Why Winter Sun Exposure Can Be Misleading

The exposure to winter sun may be particularly deceitful since when people are out, they tend to spend more time in the sun as they believe it is not harmful. Morning walks, driving, sitting by the window or travelling to the hill stations expose the skin to UV rays. As a matter of fact, the snow may reflect up to 80% of UV rays, a fact which increases the threat of sun damage in cold regions.

Dry Winter Skin Is More Vulnerable To Sun Damage

Skin sensitivity is another significant reason that can be used to justify wearing sunscreen during the winter days. The skin is usually dry and delicate, especially in cold weather and when in a dry environment or when using indoor heating. Weakening of the skin barrier puts the skin a risk of sun damage, irritation, and pigmentation. Sunscreen assists in protecting, fortifying the skin barrier and avoiding the loss of moisture.

How Sunscreen Supports Your Skincare Treatments

Skin care products are also promoted by the use of sunscreen on a regular basis. Any acne treatment, pigmentation treatments, or anti-ageing treatments are more effective when the skin is not exposed to UV radiation. These concerns may be aggravated in the long run, even during the winter, without the use of sunscreen.

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Choosing The Right Sunscreen For Winter

In winter, one should use a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a minimum of SPF 30. Select an appropriate formula according to your skin type; gel-based one in these cases are used with oily skin, and cream-based formulas with dry skin. Regardless of whether you are staying indoors or not, you should wear sunscreen at the end of your skin care routine in the morning. It should be reused again in case you spend too much time out.

Sunscreen Is A Year-Round Skincare Essential

In straightforward terms, sunscreen is not seasonal skin care; it is a daily necessity. Applying sunscreen during winter is a way of keeping skin in a healthy and youthful condition and shielding it against sun damage, which cannot be seen but is very long-lasting.

Image credits: Freepik 

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