Do you need sunscreen in winter?

UV rays are always present everywhere, can penetrate clouds, even concrete and affect your skin.

One of the most serious skin care mistakes is not wearing sunscreen in the winter.

Why use sunscreen in winter?

There are three main types of ultraviolet rays in the sun: UVA, UVB and UVC rays. These three types of rays all affect your skin, either directly or indirectly. In particular, UVA rays can still penetrate clouds and fog to reach your skin. Its destructive power is also formidable when penetrating even concrete walls or clothing. Therefore, harmful frequency UVA rays appear everywhere during the day, even when there is not a single shade of sunlight.

Subjectivity when not using sunscreen in the winter can make your skin damaged by UVA rays, causing damage such as darkening, pigmentation, dry skin and uneven skin tone... Moreover, no Not only sunlight, but UV rays are also abundant in electric lamps, fluorescent lamps, halogen lamps, computers, televisions... They are ready to cause skin damage if you let your skin come into direct contact and for a long time. long time. So using sunscreen in winter is just as important as summer and you need to keep the following points in mind:

Choose the appropriate SPF level

Contrary to popular belief, SPF, or sun protection factor, does not indicate how strong sun protection is. This index shows how long the skin is protected from UVB rays. This index is calculated by multiplying the normal length of time it takes for the skin to burn in the sun by the number representing how long the sun protection lasts (the SPF value).

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing sunscreen products with SPF 30 or higher in the winter. Using too high of an SPF formula is not recommended because they create a false sense of security when exposed to the sun, and the amount of chemicals on the skin is also higher. Experts now say that the fact that sunscreens with SPF above 50 do not protect the skin better than creams with sun protection factors below 50.

Blocks both UVA and UVB rays

UVB rays are the rays that cause sunburn, but UVA rays also cause skin damage, including signs of aging like wrinkles or brown spots. Both types of UV rays increase the risk of skin cancer. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both types of harmful UV rays. The SPF factor only indicates a sunscreen's ability to block UVB rays. If the product label says broad spectrum, it means that it is resistant to both types of rays.

It is necessary to use sunscreen all year round because ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn, skin cancer, and aging are still very active in the winter. Apply sunscreen on your face and all exposed skin.

Look carefully at the ingredients

Sunscreens can contain some chemicals that cause allergies like parabens, endocrine disruptors like oxybenzone, or just unnecessary ingredients like fragrances or inactive ingredients. Retinoids (a form of vitamin A) are common inactive ingredients found in sunscreens. Studies in Canada show that these additives can increase a user's sensitivity to UV rays from the sun.

Oxybenzone is believed to be an endocrine disruptor. This substance is similar to estrogen in the body and has been shown to alter semen production in men, as well as possibly cause endometriosis in women.

Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in sunscreens. Parabens are also considered to be associated with allergic reactions, endocrine disorders, and toxicity to the body. Therefore, when choosing a product, you must carefully read the ingredients and instructions before using it.