The Importance of Sunscreen in Winter

The sun provides us with life-sustaining energy and helps us grow food, but it can also be harmful to our health when we're exposed to it too much. In the summer, we know all too well that overexposure to the sun's rays can lead to serious skin damage like sunburns, wrinkles, and skin cancer. But did you know that overexposure in winter months can still cause harm? Despite popular belief, winter weather does not protect you from UV light exposure—and this means that you should still be wearing sunscreen year-round!

Even though the sun is less visible in the winter, it’s still important to wear sunscreen. The cold weather can be damaging on your skin, and if you’re not wearing sunscreen, then you’re just making matters worse.

Even though some people may think that they don't need to use sunscreen year-round, nearly everyone needs protection from UV rays. Your skin will thank you for using it!

The sun is still strong in the winter, even if it feels cooler outside.

You might think that because it's winter, and you're bundled up in sweaters and scarves, you're safe from the sun's harmful rays. But don't let a chill in the air fool you: UV rays can still damage your skin even when it feels cooler outside.

The sun is still strong during the winter months. Clouds may block some of those harmful UV rays, but they also bounce them back down to earth as indirect sunlight—which can reach your skin just as easily as direct sun exposure. And even if it's cold enough for snow on the ground (or ice), that layer of white reflects up to 80% of UV radiation!

It's important to remember that UV damage doesn't just occur while sitting on your beach towel at the lake all day long; window glass will reflect two-thirds of all incoming ultraviolet radiation—so whenever you're inside and looking out at anything bright (like snow or water), you are still being exposed to harmful levels of UV light.

Overexposure to the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

Regardless of the season, UV rays are strongest during midday hours. You can still get sunburned in winter and overexposure to the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Sunscreen helps prevent these problems by protecting you from the sun's harmful rays.

Sunscreen also protects against wrinkles and dark spots by shielding your skin from UVA and UVB rays which break down collagen in your skin—this causes wrinkling, sagging, age spots (sunspots), leathery texture and poor elasticity. So even though it may be cold outside now, it's important to protect yourself from overexposure to sunlight with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Here at Doctor Cosmedical, our Active Lifestyle SPF 50, SmartShield Broad Spectrum SPF 47, and Hydro Boost SPF 40, all provide superior sun care and protection, while also infusing your skin with hydrating, restoring, and anti-aging botanicals.

Need a little more coverage with your sunscreen? The HS Chemical Free Tint SPF 44 offers a versatile tint paired with a moisturizing base.

Having a tan won't protect you from skin damage.

A tan can be misleading, as it doesn't necessarily reflect how much damage your skin has sustained. Tanning is a sign of sun damage and over time will decrease the skin's ability to protect itself from UV rays—so if anything, getting tanned makes you more susceptible to future burns!

Protecting yourself from overexposure to the sun is easy and very important year-round.

There are many ways to protect yourself from overexposure to the sun, and you should be doing it year-round.

• Wear a hat and sunglasses

• Wear protective clothing

• Use sunscreen on your face, neck, and ears

• Protect your skin from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or UV protective clothing (such as long sleeves, pants) that covers most of your body when possible

Please remember that even though it may feel colder outside in the wintertime, overexposure to UV light can still cause skin damage and cancer. So, make sure to stay vigilant about using sunscreen every day, even if it seems like there's less sunlight around! If you're interested in learning more about our products or want some tips on how best apply them then please check out https://doctorcosmedical.com/collections/sunscreens.