Sunscreens are for the summer sun which is high in the sky radiating enough heat to burn the skin. What’s wrong with this sentence? Everything! Sunscreens are not just for summers because the sun shines in winter too and radiates rays that damage the skin irrespective of the season. Sunscreen is as important in winter skin care as in summer. The skin is more at risk of drying out in winter due to the cold weather. It can also cause other skin issues like chapped lips, redness, itchy skin, dandruff, etc. Winters are already harsh on the skin but without sunscreen, it is in more danger. Sunscreens prevent the skin from sun damage and improve overall skin health. Regular use of sunscreen has many lasting benefits. We must be more aware of the virtues of sunscreen and why we need it in winter too.
Sunscreen and Skin Scare
They say that taking in the sun’s rays is the best way to get that necessary Vitamin D which we need for bone formation. However, overexposure can be harmful and even lead to skin cancer. UV rays are the fastest and most damaging among the visible and invisible sun rays that reach the Earth. They penetrate the skin deeply and lead to tanning and even sunburn, redness, inflammation, premature aging, etc. To prevent these issues, using sunscreen is the best solution.
Sunscreens work in two ways. They either absorb the rays, transform them into heat, and disperse them in the environment, or from a physical layer on the skin and reflect the UV rays to prevent them from breaching the skin’s surface. Using sunscreen is the skin’s best defense against sun damage.
Why Use Sunscreen in Winter
Our skin needs sun protection in winter too. Here are a few reasons why sunscreen is important in winter too:
Prevent Premature Aging
Despite the cold weather and limited sunlight, UV rays can still penetrate the skin. When the UV rays travel to the skin’s deeper layers they damage the skin cells. Exposure to these rays over a long period causes the skin cells to die. It causes the skin to lose elasticity and start aging faster. Sunscreens form a layer of protection that prevents the UV rays to reach the deeper layers and affect the cells. Hence, regular use of sunscreen can prevent premature aging.
Prevent Tanning and Sunburn
Our skin’s topmost layer, the epidermis, contains a pigment called Melanin. Melanin protects the skin from sunburn and also helps in creating Vitamin D. When exposed to sun, melanin defends the skin which causes tanning or darkening of the skin. However, constant or regular exposure to the sun rays can harm the skin despite melanin’s defenses. Sunscreen shields the skin from UV rays and thus helps prevent tanning and sunburn with constant use.
Hydrate and Nourish Skin
Winter winds also damage the skin’s health significantly. They deplete the skin’s natural oils and moisture causing dryness, redness, and other skin issues. Sunscreen contains ingredients that form a protective layer on the epidermis. It stops sunlight as well as other environmental factors from penetrating the skin and causing harm. Plus nowadays, most sunscreens come enriched with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide which nourish the skin from within. Hence, it is recommended to use sunscreen regularly, despite the season and climate.
Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer
Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer all over the world. Too much sunlight can cause Melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer. The main symptoms are spots that itch and pain over time, non-healing sores, rough bumps, and scaly spots. Sunscreen’s protective layer prevents the sunlight from penetrating the skin which significantly reduces the chances of getting skin cancer.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
Sunscreens come in two main types – Mineral and Chemical. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, converting them into heat, which is then dispersed. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, form a physical barrier over the skin and reflect the UV rays, stopping them from invading the skin. To get ample sun protection, you should check the SPF or PA of the product. SPF and PA are the sun protection factors that determine how effective a particular sunscreen is in blocking the sun. Any sunscreen with SPF 30 or more and/or PA++ or more is suitable for shielding against the sun. However, for Indian summers, it is recommended to use SPF 40 or higher and PA+++ or more. Sunscreen lotions are best for dry skin but for oily skin, sunscreen gels work better.
Conclusion
Sunscreen plays a crucial role in winter skin care defending skin from sun damage and providing essential nourishment during the cold, dry months. Regular use of sunscreen throughout the year is essential for maintaining optimal skin health. Noteworthy skin care brands like Kamree offer mineral sunscreens that give better protection with organic ingredients. Prioritize your skin’s health by adding sunscreen to your winter skin care routine.
