Top Winter Sunscreen Advice
It might seem like the sun disappears for the entirety of winter, but that’s not the case. In truth, the sun is still just as capable of contributing to skin cancer during winter as it is during summer. Want to know how to use sunscreen to the fullest during the winter months? Let’s get started.
How to Use Sunscreen in the Winter
Apply Sunscreen Daily
One of the most important steps you can take to ensure you’re using sunscreen correctly during the winter is applying it every day. Even if you’re working from home and haven’t set foot outdoors in two weeks, applying sunscreen needs to be part of your daily skincare routine. If UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, they can definitely damage your skin through your windows while you’re at home.
Use Enough Sunscreen
Not using enough sunscreen is one of the most common mistakes people make. Fortunately, it’s an easy one to avoid. It’s typically recommended to apply two milligrams per square centimeter of skin. If you’re not sure how to measure milligrams, there’s no need to worry. In layman’s terms, this typically means applying more than one coat of sunscreen on your skin. Don’t just buy sunscreen with a higher SPF, either. Even sunscreens with high SPF ratings need two coats to offer optimal protection and help prevent sun damaged skin. Applying two layers of sunscreen might seem tedious at first, but you’ll definitely thank yourself later.
Apply Sunscreen Whenever You Go Outside
Whether it’s snowing outside or it’s just a little bit cloudy, you should make sure you have sunscreen on every time you leave the house. As we covered earlier, UV rays can easily penetrate cloud cover and contribute to skin rashes, signs of premature aging like wrinkles, and even skin cancer. So even on overcast days, you’re putting your skin at risk when you fail to wear sunscreen. And when there’s snow on the ground, you risk even more sun damage as a result of the reflective nature of snow. So make sure you invest in a facial moisturizer with SPF in it and apply sunscreen to the rest of your body daily if you’re going outside at all.
Reapply Sunscreen Regularly
Sunscreen might be the best tool in your arsenal to help prevent sun damage, but its effects don’t last forever. In fact, most sunscreens are only effective for a few hours at best. For the most effective sunscreen protection, it’s important to reapply every few hours if you’re spending time outside with uncovered skin.
Rub Your Spray Sunscreen In
Spray-on sunscreen is one of the most efficient developments in sun protection technology. Unfortunately, it doesn’t change the fact that you still need to rub it into your skin to reap all the benefits it offers. So when you’re outside and using spray-on sunscreen, remember that a few spritzes aren’t going to give you the protection you need to avoid sunburn if you don’t rub them into your skin.
When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, sunscreen is key. If you’re concerned about signs of skin cancer or want to know more about sun protection, set up your consultation with SE Dermatology Specialists today.