We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen when we go to the beach or stay out in the summer sun all day. Chances are you have gotten a painful sunburn at least once in your life and never want to relive that again so you wear sunscreen to avoid that possibility. However, did you know that sunscreen is just as important in the winter too? Even if you aren’t going to be in the sun for hours, you need to protect your skin with sunscreen. Here are a few reasons why.
Avoid Sunburn
We’ve talked a little bit about sunburn but let’s dive a little deeper. Even though the weather is colder you can still get a sunburn in the winter. You can even get a sunburn on cloudy days. Not only is sunburn painful, but it can also lead to the more dangerous condition of skin cancer. Melanoma is a particularly life-threatening cancer that you can get from too much sun exposure. The CDC recommends using an SPF of at least 15.
Prevent Premature Aging
If you want younger-looking skin, sunscreen is the way to go. Sun damage can break down the collagen in your skin which affects your skin’s elasticity in a negative way. It can also bring about the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When should you wear sunscreen? Any time you are going to be in the sun.
If your foundation has an SPF is that enough? The answer is likely no. To achieve the full range of protection from your foundation you would have to apply a thick coating to your face. It would be more than most of us actually use on our faces. Also, your face isn’t the only place you need to think about. Any part of your body that will be exposed to the sun needs sunscreen, including your hands, arms, neck, or any other part that is out in the sun.
More Even Skin Tone
If you have an uneven skin tone, blotchiness, or visible red veins in your skin, sun damage may be to blame. Spending time unprotected in the sun, whether in the summer or winter, can cause sunspots. Other names for these blemishes include age spots and liver spots. If you want your skin to have a clear, even tone be sure to apply sunscreen daily.
Another way sunscreen can help even your skin tone is by preventing part of your body from getting more sun exposure than another part. Anyone who has ever driven with the arm resting on the window when it’s sunny will know what I’m talking about. You end up with one arm that is completely tanned from the sun coming in the car window while the other arm stays unaffected. This can also happen with short sleeves in the sun resulting in a “farmer’s tan” where the top of your arms are unaffected and the end of your arms are tanned. Sunscreen prevents this from happening.
What Sunscreen Should I Use?
Our top choice of sunscreen is Essential Defense Mineral Shield
Broad Spectrum SPF by SkinMedica. It is a sheer, lightweight, mineral sunscreen that gives you the highest level of UVA protection available, along with UVB coverage to protect you from damaging rays. In addition to that, it is appropriate for post-procedure and sensitive skin types. If you’re worried about how your skin will react to sunscreen, this is a great choice.
If you want to add a little color to your skin, there is a tinted version of the SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF for you. It’s a great choice for those who want a touch of color.
If you have any questions about the importance of sunscreen or would like to purchase any SkinMedica products, we would love to help you out. Also, if you are already suffering from sun damage we can talk about options to rejuvenate your skin. Call to schedule your consultation today.