I can’t begin to count the number of people I have encountered who think they don’t need sunscreen since the weather is getting colder. I recently ran into someone who made a comment about being happy they don’t have to spend the money on sunblock since it’s November now! So, I am here to preach to you, yet again, about sun protection! I hoard sun care products- they are one of the biggest keys to not only keeping your skin healthy, but to prevent premature aging.
Despite the chillier temperatures, the sun is still there, and the UV rays can still do damage. As a matter of fact, even when it’s snowy, if the sun is bright, you can be exposed to even more UV rays because they are reflected back up from the snow.
Ultraviolet radiation not only dries out your skin, but it causes premature aging such as wrinkles, sagging, and hyperpigmentation. If you fail to protect yourself from the sun, then there is no point in taking measures against aging, because you will just undo all the good you have done. Most importantly, UV rays can cause skin cancer, which in turn can result in disfiguring surgeries, or even death.
SPF refers to how long you can be in the sun- for example, an SPF of 10 means you can remain in the sun for 10 times longer than you could without sunscreen. It’s important to note that if you put on two layers of SPF 10, you do NOT have an SPF of 20, it’s still just 10. In order to achieve the amount of protection recommended by professionals, it’s best to layer your sun protection products. For more information on layering sun protection from esthetician Heather Kent, click here.
The SPF gold standard is 30, so be sure you are adequately protected. Sun protection products have come a LONG way, they now use nanoparticles, so they appear clear- no more white or opaque streaks of zinc! Cutting-edge companies like Bionova are using UV Chromophores, which actually absorb UV rays, and offer extra protection against cancer. Additionally, there are companies such as Coola, that are solely dedicated to sun care, and offer a wide variety of protection. So, it’s now easier than ever to find a product that works for you. Also, keep in mind that many dermatologists, oncologists, and other doctors believe the absolute best protection comes from covering your skin completely during peak hours of sunshine (or avoiding the sun all-together), and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
I’ll be adding some fantastic information and reviews on Coola‘s superb sun care products very soon, so keep checking back!
See also:
The Esthetician is In: You Need Sun Protection!
