For most people, sunscreen is exclusively for summer-time; however, sun exposure is the #1 cause of skin cancer and wrinkles regardless of the time of year. Read below to find out exactly how the sun harms your skin and what you can do to keep your skin looking radiant, cancer/wrinkle/spot-free and reduce worsening of current skin conditions.
Note: 1 in 5 individuals living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with skin cancer according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The majority of skin cancers occur from unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful UV radiation, nearly 90% to be specific. SPF is not just a warm-weather essential and it’s time we raise awareness on the importance of daily SPF use.
The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays (UV rays to cover for both). Generally, UVA rays cause wrinkles and UVB rays cause a sunburn reaction. UVA rays are still strong in the wintertime and can penetrate through windows and clouds causing skin damage leading to wrinkles and skin cancer.
Everything you need to know to set your skin up for success:
- SPF means sun protection factor ~ the higher the SPF number, the more protection you’re getting.
- UV rays can be just as harmful to our skin in the winter as in the summer. Fun fact~ the ozone layer is actually at its thinnest in the winter time which means less protection from the sun. Lather up with that SPF every day!
- Even if you spend all your time indoors, UV rays can penetrate through your car window/train windows and damage your skin.
- There are 2 kinds of sunscreens and they differ in how they handle the sun’s UV rays-physical and chemical. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and change their structure so they cause less damage. Physical sunscreens provide a stronger barrier because they create a physical separation between the sun and us.
- If you’re hitting the slopes, don’t skip the sunscreen please. The sun reflects intensely off the white-colored snow making sunburns way more likely on the mountain!
- Prevent skin aging and maintain even skin tone by wearing sunscreen year-round. Unprotected sun exposure can make conditions like acne, rosacea, melasma, and any sort of facial scarring in general worse.
A few of my favorite sunscreens:
- LA ROCHE POSAY– another great mineral option, also available at target.
- INNIS FREE– a very affordable mineral sunscreen that won’t leave a white cast!
- NEUTROGENA– an oil-free, affordable, chemical sunscreen great for daily wear and gives a nice glow.
- CERAVE– this one is a physical/chemical combination sunscreen A.K.A. the best of both worlds 🙂
Please note, if you have any concerning spots on your skin, consult with your primary care provider and/or your dermatologist! Stay safe out there lovelies and don’t skip the SPF if you care about your skin <3
Sincerely,
Foya Tavangary, Your Pocket PA
DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases. I have personally tried and recommend the attached links in this article for SPF options.