Often times when families pack away their summer clothing, the swimming gear and sunscreen are hidden away for another year. Due to decreased sunlight, inclement weather, and longer sleeves, many people feel that the sun no longer presents a danger, so they stop using sun protection. Unfortunately this is simply untrue, as our skin is still very much vulnerable when the temperatures begin to drop. According to the International Dermal Institute, “Studies from Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Herston, Australia, have reported that individuals who wear sunscreen daily, even in winter, had 24% fewer Actinic Keratoses (the most common precancerous skin lesion) than people who applied it once in a while."
While the temperatures drop, we may not feel the heat of the sun's rays, but they remain persistent all the same. Just like in summer, our most exposed body parts like the face, neck, and hands, all are mostly vulnerable to these UV rays. Therefore it is no coincidence that many skin cancers occur in these areas of the body, because they remain the most exposed over the course of our lifetimes.
Cold temperatures of the season put stress on the skin, and create a "winter-skin" condition. Common symptoms of “winter skin” consists of any combination of dry, rough, and/or red skin. Those with extra sensitive skin may even experience irritated, cracked, aching skin, or even wind-burn. While a good moisturizer can aid these “winter skin” irritants, it is very important to remember that sunscreen is just as important.
On snowy days, it is essential to wear protective sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun glare reflects off the white surface of snow and ice. In fact, the sun’s rays can become 80% stronger when reflected which is why many skiers and snow-boarders wear skin and eye protection!
Even the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests wearing wide-brimmed hats and large-covering sunglasses in winter because they are just as important as in summer.
Remember it is in your best interest to wear sunscreen as often as possible, especially when sweating or swimming. Therefore be sure to update your skin care routine by adding broad-spectrum sunscreen to your winter schedule.
Sources:
http://www.dermalinstitute.com/us/news/?p=690
http://www.skinmedica.com/beautytalk/sunscreen-in-the-winter-why-you-still-need-it
http://www.skincancer.org/news/holidays-seasons/your-winter-face
http://www.webmd.com/beauty/ten-winter-skin-care-tips
While the temperatures drop, we may not feel the heat of the sun's rays, but they remain persistent all the same. Just like in summer, our most exposed body parts like the face, neck, and hands, all are mostly vulnerable to these UV rays. Therefore it is no coincidence that many skin cancers occur in these areas of the body, because they remain the most exposed over the course of our lifetimes.
Cold temperatures of the season put stress on the skin, and create a "winter-skin" condition. Common symptoms of “winter skin” consists of any combination of dry, rough, and/or red skin. Those with extra sensitive skin may even experience irritated, cracked, aching skin, or even wind-burn. While a good moisturizer can aid these “winter skin” irritants, it is very important to remember that sunscreen is just as important.
On snowy days, it is essential to wear protective sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun glare reflects off the white surface of snow and ice. In fact, the sun’s rays can become 80% stronger when reflected which is why many skiers and snow-boarders wear skin and eye protection!
Even the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests wearing wide-brimmed hats and large-covering sunglasses in winter because they are just as important as in summer.
Remember it is in your best interest to wear sunscreen as often as possible, especially when sweating or swimming. Therefore be sure to update your skin care routine by adding broad-spectrum sunscreen to your winter schedule.
Sources:
http://www.dermalinstitute.com/us/news/?p=690
http://www.skinmedica.com/beautytalk/sunscreen-in-the-winter-why-you-still-need-it
http://www.skincancer.org/news/holidays-seasons/your-winter-face
http://www.webmd.com/beauty/ten-winter-skin-care-tips
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