Many people think that sunscreen is only needed in the summer, when the sun is strong. However, according to dermatologists, this is a misconception. In fact, the skin still needs to be protected from UV rays even in winter, even on cold or cloudy days.
According to Dr. Shireen Furtado - senior consultant in medical dermatology and cosmetics at Aster CMI Hospital (Bangalore, India), UV rays exist all year round and can silently damage the skin if not properly protected.
Why do you still need to wear sunscreen in winter?
Despite the decreased intensity of sunlight, UVA and UVB rays still penetrate clouds, fog and reflect from surfaces such as glass, water or snow. Long-term exposure to UV rays can cause skin darkness, brown spots, premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.
In addition, cold and dry weather weakens the skin barrier. When you don't use sunscreen, your skin is more vulnerable to the effects of sunlight, leading to dry skin and irritation.
How to choose a suitable sunscreen for winter
Experts recommend prioritizing sunscreens:
capable of protecting broad- spectrum (UVA and UVB)
SPF is at least 30 for daily activities, SPF 50 for those who are regularly outdoors
Add moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid or ceramide
For oily or acne-prone skin, choose a light texture that does not clog pores. sensitive skin should prioritize mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Benefits of using sunscreen in winter
Maintaining daily sunscreen application helps:
Protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays
Prevent skin darkness, brown spots and wrinkles early
Reduces the risk of skin cancer due to long-term exposure to sunlight
Limit dry skin and irritation in cold weather
Keep your skin more even and healthy in winter
Common mistakes when using winter sunscreen
Some common mistakes include:
Skipping sunscreen because you think there will be no sunshine in cold weather
Apply too little or not reapply after a few hours
Only use sunscreen on sunny days, ignore cloudy days
Forget to apply it to your neck, ears and mules
Use expired or inadequate sunscreen with SPF
3 finger rules when applying sunscreen
The 3-finger rule is a simple way to ensure adequate ice cream for the face and neck. Just take the ice cream spread on the index finger, middle finger and little finger. This amount helps the cream to maximize optimal protection.
Sunscreen should be applied about 15-20 minutes before going out and reapplied every 2-3 hours if exposed to sunlight.
