SPF Isn't Just for the Summer; Your Skin Needs it Year Round
When you think of sunscreen or SPF, you naturally think of protecting yourself from the hot sun on a day at the beach or pool in the summer. You don't really associate the need for sunscreen during the winter, do you? Just because the sun isn't shining and there are clouds in the sky doesn't mean you shouldn't wear sunscreen. Those harmful UV rays are present all year round, and yes, they can make it through thick cloud cover and seep in through windows.
Even though you don't get sunburned, ultraviolet rays will wreak havoc on your skin if you're not protected. The sun can be highly damaging to our skin. Two types of ultraviolet rays come from the sun, UVA and UVB. UVA penetrates deep into the skin and is what speeds up the harmful effects of aging, while UVB causes sun damage and skin cancer, so it's vital you are protected from both.
Why You Need Sunscreen Year-Round
Despite the overcast days, there are many reasons why you should continue to wear sunscreen every season. During the colder months, you can protect yourself with layers of clothing and focus on sunscreen for your face. Here are a few good reasons to keep your sunscreen stocked and ready for daily use.
Yes, you can get sunburned in the winter, when it's cloudy or rainy. The clouds form some form of protection from the sun, but it's never complete protection. Those UV rays squeeze through and can harm your skin just as easily as if the sun was shining. There's evidence to suggest that cloudy days may increase your chance of sunburn due to how the rays reflect off the clouds. If you're at higher elevations or live around snow, the way the rays hit the snow and the ground at higher elevations can also intensify the UV rays.
Sunscreen all year round will protect you from skin cancer. The more your skin is exposed to the sun's harmful rays, the higher the chances of getting skin cancer. Sunscreen is vital and not just at the beach or pool. Our greatest exposure happens when we're just driving or carrying out everyday activities because it isn't associated with a beach. Short, intense exposure puts you more at risk.
Wearing sunscreen can help slow the effects of aging. If there's one thing most people love to hear, it is how to slow down the aging process. Wearing sunscreen protects your health and reduces the chances of fine lines, wrinkles, and the appearance of brown spots.
Sunscreen is not the same greasy lotion your mom used to apply 20 years ago. There have been massive developments in the skincare industry to make skincare products with built-in SPF that isn't greasy or thick. Many sunscreens can help deposit nutrients and lock in moisture, so you can feel good about having to wear sunscreen all year round.
Sunscreen will help you stay safe and remain youthful when exposed to the sun's rays. Don't take any chances, even indoors, close to a window. Take care of your skin. It's the only skin you get.
