Ideal for maintaining healthy, youthful skin all year round
Oh, winter! The season of cosy sweaters, hot chocolate, and…sunburn? Ok we’re being a little dramatic; the sun’s UV rays here in the UK are not usually strong enough come winter to cause sunburn, however they can still negatively affect your skin.
Unfortunately it’s a common misconception that because it is winter, you won’t be affected by the sun’s harmful rays, especially amongst us Brits. Recent research from Japanese cult beauty brand Hada Labo Tokyo, suggests that a reckless approach (no, we’re not being dramatic this time) to sun care is putting huge numbers of Brits at risk of skin damage and premature aging. They found that only 36% of women only use sunscreen when it’s hot and only a third (34%) of those surveyed use sunscreen every day.
Chartered Scientist, and founder of SOS Serum Skincare range, Bruce Green, says “don’t think that because it’s cold and there is little sun that you can dispense with your sun block. Wearing SPF all year round will reduce and can prevent cumulative sun exposure damage which can result in fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and even skin cancer”.
Yep, wearing SPF during winter is just as important as wearing it during summer, if not more so. Here’s why it’s important to wear SPF in winter and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine…
UVA & UVB Rays Are Still Present In Winter
Did you know that the Earth is actually the closest to the sun in the winter and the farthest from it in the summer? Indeed, the sun’s harmful rays are not exclusive to the warmer months, in fact UVA and UVB rays are present all year round. And while UVB rays that are responsible for sunburns may be less intense during winter, UVA rays remain constant throughout the year.
“SPF is still very important during the winter months. This is because UVA (ultraviolet A) affects skin all year round, come rain or shine. In fact, UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer and can affect the skin so much so that it can lead to DNA damage” explains skin expert Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme.
Yep, UVA rays cause premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. So, while you’re out there on your winter walks, building snowmen or even ice-skating, remember that your skin is still at risk.
UV Rays Pass Through Clouds
Contrary to popular belief, those fluffy clouds don’t act as a magical UV shield during the colder months. In fact, they’re about as effective at blocking harmful rays as a sheet of tissue paper.
On a cloudy winter day, it’s easy to assume that you don’t need sunscreen; up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate clouds and reach your skin. So don’t be fooled by the chilly temperatures and overcast skies – slather on that sunscreen like it’s summer. After all, nobody wants to explain their Rudolph-red nose as a result of a winter sunburn.
UVA Rays Can Penetrate Windows
During the winter months, we tend to spend more time indoors and the last thing on our mind is to wear SPF. However if you are working by a window or driving daily, UVA rays can penetrate window glass during your daily commute and during your work hours increasing your total exposure to UVA by up to 12 hours a day.
Snow & Ice Reflect Sunlight
If you live in an area where snow and ice are common during winter, you need to be extra cautious. Snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays, increasing your exposure and risk of skin damage. This means that even if you’re bundled up, any exposed skin, such as your face, is at risk.
Speaking of snow, if you’re planning a ski trip keep in mind that UV exposure increases with altitude. For every 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) in elevation, UV levels increase by approximately 10% . This means that if you’re hitting the slopes or hiking in the mountains, you’re at a higher risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Screen Burn
When winter arrives we all spend more staring at our screens. However, did you know that staring at a computer screen for six hours a day is as bad for your skin as 25 minutes in the midday sun without sun cream.
Co-Founder of the skincare brand Katherine Daniels and Therapist Kirsti Shuba explains that “research shows that the blue light emitted from our TV’s, computers and smart phones could be one of leading causes of premature ageing. Blue light exposure leads to oxidative stress within our skin, which can contribute to pigmentation and the degradation of our skin’s collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Over time this can lead to increased lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and a lack of ‘firmness’.”
Yep, blue light can penetrate deep into the skin, through the epidermis and dermis, to the subcutis layer, destroying collagen and causing premature aging. So although you might be sat indoors, you still need to wear a broad spectrum SPF to protect and defend your skin from blue light emitted from our devices.
Cold Weather Makes Your Skin Vulnerable
During the colder months, our skin can become increasingly problematic due to harsher weather conditions and central heating.
The combination of lower temperatures and levels of humidity in the air mean that our skin is exposed to less moisture, leading to both dryness and dullness. Moreover, high speed winds – which are a common during the winter months can also risk aggravating the face. As such, the skin on your face is more vulnerable to UV rays penetrating and causing more damage to your skin.
Tips On Incorporating SPF into Your Skincare Routine
Now that we’ve established the importance of wearing SPF in winter, here’s how to incorporate it into your daily skincare routine…
Choose The Right Sunscreen
Skin expert and make-up artist from Hada Labo Tokyo, Gina Aker, explains: “Gloopy textures, chemical smells, ingredients which irritate sensitive skins and products that leave the skin feeling greasy can all factor into our reluctance to use sunscreens effectively.” As such, it’s important to choose a product that is designed to wear on your face and suits your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or sensitive.
Remember to opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for an SPF of at least 30, which blocks about 97% of UVB rays . While higher SPFs offer slightly more protection, no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays.
Use A Moisturiser With SPF
Come winter most of us ditch the sunscreen for a heavy moisturiser without SPF. Instead, consider opting for a moisturiser which contains SPF.
A quality moisturiser with SPF “key to protecting your skin from UV rays, as the sun can still damage your skin during the winter months, leading to unwanted consequences such as premature ageing” says Dr Olivier Amar, CMO of Cosmetic Treatment innovator Uvence.
Reframe The S In SPF
Try to think of the ‘S’ in SPF as ‘skin’ protection, rather than ‘sun’ protection” suggests Kirsti Shuba Co-Founder of cosmetics brand Katherine Daniels. She adds that SPF is “your skin’s final coat of armour protecting against UV rays, pollution and blue light radiation, which are three of the main causes of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.”
Apply Sunscreen 15-30 Minutes Before Going Outside
Sunscreen needs time to absorb into your skin to provide optimal protection. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before heading outdoors. Remember that sunscreen wears off over time, so it’s essential to reapply every two hours, or immediately after sweating or swimming. Keep a travel-sized sunscreen in your bag for easy reapplication throughout the day.
The Bottom Line
Sunscreen is the best anti-ageing product you can invest in, and is just as important during winter as summer. As the temperature drops, you might be tempted to think that you can skip applying sunscreen. After all, the sun is not as intense, and we’re often bundled up in layers of clothing. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Remember that wearing SPF in winter is crucial for maintaining healthy, youthful skin and preventing skin cancer. By incorporating SPF into your daily skincare routine, you can enjoy the winter months without compromising your skin’s health. So go ahead, grab that bottle of sunscreen, and make it a year-round habit.