When we think of sunscreen, we often think of sunny beach days or scorching temperatures. But did you know that SPF should be a year-round essential – even in the winter months?
The cold weather doesn’t mean your skin is safe from harmful UV rays. In fact, the winter sun can still cause damage to your skin, making SPF just as important during the colder months as it is in summer. In this blog, we’ll explore five surprising reasons why you should keep using SPF all year long and the difference it can make to your skin health.
1. UV rays are present year-round
The sun’s UV rays don’t take a winter break. Even though you may not feel the heat in the winter, UVA and UVB rays are still present and can damage your skin. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, leading to wrinkles and dark spots, while UVB rays cause burns. Protect your skin with SPF to guard against these harmful rays, preventing premature signs of ageing like fine lines and dull skin.
2. Snow reflects UV rays
It’s not just direct sunlight you need to worry about. In fact, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, increasing your exposure and the chances of skin damage.
Research in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine highlights that the reflective nature of snow can significantly increase the amount of UV radiation absorbed by the skin, particularly in mountainous areas where snow is common (Britt et al., 2016). So, even when you’re not basking in direct sunlight, snow can enhance the damaging effects of UV rays.
3. SPF can help with pigmentation issues
The winter weather can be harsh on your skin, and conditions like melasma can worsen if left unprotected. Melasma, which causes brown or grey-brown patches on the skin, can be triggered by sun exposure.
By applying SPF daily throughout the winter, you can protect your skin against further pigmentation and can even prevent existing dark spots from getting worse. Whether you’re dealing with pigmentation or melasma, consistent SPF use is key to preventing flare-ups.
4. UV rays cause collagen breakdown
While you might not feel the warmth of the sun during the winter months, the UV rays are still very much active. They can accelerate the breakdown of collagen in the skin, contributing to fine lines, wrinkles, and premature ageing. Even in the colder months, UV exposure leads to photoaging, a process that harms the skin’s structure over time.
Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that UV radiation speeds up collagen degradation, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles (Fitzpatrick et al., 2017). With regular use of SPF during winter, you can preserve collagen and prevent the visible signs of aging, keeping your skin looking youthful and smooth no matter the season.
5. SPF can soothe rosacea flare-ups
For those who suffer from rosacea, winter can bring about aggravating flare-ups. The cold weather and UV exposure can all trigger inflammation, redness, and irritation.
Applying SPF daily helps to create a barrier against these environmental triggers, preventing flare-ups and calming irritated skin. By protecting your skin from harmful rays, you not only reduce the risk of rosacea irritation but also maintain a more even and healthy complexion throughout the colder months. Consistent sun protection is essential for managing rosacea and keeping your skin calm and comfortable.
Keep Your Skin Youthful and Healthy this Winter with MiQuest
No matter the season, your skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful rays. SPF isn’t just for hot summer days – it's an essential part of your skincare routine all year long. Whether you’re dealing with skin conditions or simply want to maintain healthy, glowing skin, SPF plays a crucial role in keeping your skin protected and looking fresh and youthful.
By incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, you’ll prevent long-term skin damage, reduce the risk of premature aging, and maintain a healthy complexion throughout the winter months.
Get in touch with our skin experts here at MiQuest for personalised recommendations to address your concerns and help you feel more confident in your skin.
Citations
1. Britt, S. C., et al. “Snow and UV Radiation: A Review of the Risk of UV Radiation Exposure in Snow-covered Environments.” Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, vol. 32, no. 5, 2016, pp. 219-223.
2. Fitzpatrick, T. B., et al. “Photoaging and Photodamage.” The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 377, no. 6, 2017, pp. 573-574.
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