Why You Should Wear Sunscreen In the Winter, And How To Add This Step Into Your Skincare Routine
Many people only think to wear sunscreen when they will be outside on a hot, sunny day when they can physically feel the effects of the sun and UV rays quite quickly, such as through a sunburn or a tan. However, the sun and UV rays can be just as damaging to the skin on a cold, winter, or cloudy day as well. Here are some reasons you should make sure to add sunscreen to your skincare routine in the winter, and what the skincare application order should look like including this vital step..
WHAT ARE UV RAYS?
UV rays are invisible to the eye, where the most familiar comes from the sun. In order of longest wavelength to shortest wavelength, there are three main categories of UV rays from the sun: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The types of UV rays that humans should be most worried about are the UVA and UVB. UVA penetrates the skin deeply and can cause aging as well as illnesses such as skin cancer. UVB rays can cause sunburns, and are also thought to be highly linked to skin cancer. You can find more information about UV rays on our website through this link.
HOW DO UV RAYS AFFECT YOUR SKIN IN THE WINTER?
Exposure to UV rays can be a factor to skin cancer, wrinkles, and other sun damage as well. Whenever you are outside, although it may be a cloudy, winter day, you should take precautions to protect your skin from the UV rays, as they can become even more powerful when being deflected off of snow, ice, sand, water, and clouds. Therefore, anywhere, anytime, and any season in the world, you may find yourself exposed to the sun’s UV rays. In order to protect your skin’s natural beauty and health, you should consider adding sunscreen into your daily skincare routine throughout the entire year.
WHERE ARE UV RAYS MOST POWERFUL?
The FDA explains how exposure to UV rays is at a greater risk in areas or surfaces that have higher reflective properties, such as snow, ice, or concrete. These are surfaces that can be found almost anywhere, including in the winter time, meaning you may be just as exposed to UV rays in the winter as in the summer. UV exposure precautions such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats can help with possible consequences of receiving too much UV radiation.
HOW TO ADD SUNSCREEN INTO YOUR EVERYDAY SKINCARE ROUTINE
Sunscreen protects all skin types, including sensitive, oily, and combination skin alike. Not everyone may burn easily, but that does not mean that the UV rays are not damaging the skin in the long run. By adding sunscreen to your skincare routine in the winter, you can be protected from sun damage, skin cancer, and premature aging in the skin. Here is how you can add sunscreen into your skincare application process:
Skincare Application Order:
- Cleanser- Wash your face of yesterday, today is a new day with a new canvas.
- Lotion or Toner- Try a lotion or toner to best prepare your skin for the following steps in your personal routine.
- Serums- You can use a serum to help revitalize, boost hydration, and brighten your skin.
- Eye Cream- Adding an eye cream to your skincare routine can help reduce signs of dark circles, puffiness, and aging
- Moisturizer- A moisturizer will help ensure your skin feels smooth, soft, and moisturized all day.
- Sunscreen- Most importantly, never forget to add your sunscreen at the end where it will protect your skin the most and help the other products work most effectively.
After adding sunscreen into your daily skincare application process, you may find your skin receiving the benefits of the protection from too many UV rays. For example, some rewards from using sunscreen daily, even in the winter, include prevention from wrinkles, sunburns, skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and any future visible damage. All skin types will be greatly benefited to incorporate sunscreen into their daily routine to have a happier and healthier skin.
Check out more tips on how to protect your skin effectively on our Instagram!