Moisturising is one of the most important steps of skin care as it helps in keeping our skin moisturised and hydrated for an extended period of time. However, applying sunscreen after moisturising is also vital as it helps shield our skin from UV damage. UV damage is one of the biggest reasons for a variety of skin problems such as dryness, dark spots, premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, acne, and skin cancer.
Sunscreen not only protects our skin from all of these problems but also helps to trap the moisture within the screen and protect it from pollution, dust, etc. Some people think that applying sunscreen is only important in summer, but it is equally important in winter as well. Today we will talk about the importance of sunscreen, why to wear sunscreen in winter and how to wear sunscreen.
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Why Wear Sunscreen In The Winter?
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How To Wear Sunscreen?
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Conclusion
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FAQs on the Importance of Sunscreen
Why Wear Sunscreen In The Winter?
It is a misconception that sunscreen is only important in summer and can be skipped in winter. However, the importance of sunscreen is as relevant in winter as in any other season. While you might think the winter sun is less harsh than the summer sun, it can also cause skin problems and needs to be shielded against using sunscreen. Here are a few reasons why sunscreen is important in the winter.
UV Rays
While the winter sun is soothing and covered by clouds, the UV rays can penetrate clouds as well and cause the same skin problems you might face during summer. As the temperature is lower, you might not feel the heat of the sun, but your skin goes through chemical changes such as free radical activity when exposed to UV rays for an extended time. Using sunscreen will protect your skin from this damage.
Anti-Ageing Properties
One of the reasons for premature ageing is free radical activity caused by UV damage. Free radical activity causes fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, etc., and makes our skin look leathery. Using sunscreen can protect your skin from the free radical activity and the natural active ingredients present in the cream can help to reverse the existing damage.
Skin Exposure
Even if you work inside and only commute outside, you should still wear sunscreen as UV rays can penetrate glass as well. There are two types of UV rays, UV A and UV B, and while UV B can not penetrate clouds or glass that effectively, UV A can damage your skin even if you sit indoors. So it becomes vital to wear sunscreen every day, even if you remain inside for the majority of the time.
Winter Travels
Winter makes for the perfect opportunity to travel during the holiday season. However, enjoying popular outdoor sports such as skiing can also cause skin problems. Research shows that UV radiation increases by 5%, every 1000 feet you move up the sea level [1]. In mountains and elevated areas, your skin is more prone to UV damage and requires sunscreen protection.
Faster Removal
In summer your sunscreen might sweat off and needs to be reapplied. Similarly, in winter, the harsh weather condition can erode your sunscreen quicker, needing to be reapplied. The strong winds, cold temperature and body heat can make sunscreen lose its effectiveness and require multiple applications, like a moisturiser, for skin protection.
Skin Cancer
As discussed above, even in winter, your skin is exposed to UV rays which can cause skin cancer. The importance of sunscreen is constant throughout the year for skin protection and is increasing by the day as ozone layers get depleted. Our skin is now more exposed to UV damage than ever before and requires a good natural moisturiser for reliable protection.
Now that we know why sunscreen is important and why to wear sunscreen, let’s take a look at how to wear sunscreen.
How To Wear Sunscreen?
Now that we understand the importance of sunscreen, let’s take a look at the correct process of applying sunscreen.
When To Apply?
- If you are going out, you should apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out, to give it time to be absorbed by the skin.
- If you wash your face or sweat, you should reapply the sunscreen.
- Reapply the sunscreen after every 5-6 hours if it’s lightweight and after 8 hours if it’s heavy.
How to Apply?
- Take a dab of the sunscreen from the tube or jar and dot your face, neck, arm and hands.
- Massage the sunscreen gently using your fingers and palm to create an even layer on all exposed skin areas.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
What to Look for?
- When looking for sunscreen, pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UV A and UV B protection.
- Choose a waterproof sunscreen which will help minimise the loss of effectiveness.
- Avoid any sunscreen with chemical ingredients and only use products with natural ingredients.
If your daily schedule requires you to stay indoors most of the day, you can also choose a moisturiser with SPF protection to avoid applying multiple layers. For instance, Pure Sense Pink Guava Day Cream is designed to nourish your skin with the natural goodness of pomegranate, bengkoang and guava, but also has SPF 20 and UV protection for your skin.
You can use this day cream as a moisturiser and sunscreen to protect against damage from the sun and the environment while nourishing your skin.
Conclusion
Using sunscreen is as important in winter as in summer if not more. It is one of the most crucial parts of your skincare routine and should not be skipped at any cost. Instead, you have to reapply sunscreen in winter every few hours to ensure your skin is protected against UV damage constantly.
FAQs on the Importance of Sunscreen
1. What happens if you don't wear sunscreen?
Not using sunscreen can expose your skin to UV damage which can lead to several problems. Apart from tanning and sunburn, UV rays cause free-radical activity that is responsible for a variety of skin problems such as dryness, dark spots, premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, acne, and skin cancer. So it is vital to use sunscreen every day even in winter.
2. What did people use instead of sunscreen?
Before product-based sunscreen, people used to rely on various concoctions and pastes to protect their skin from UV damage. Ingredients such as rice bran are excellent at absorbing UV rays. Even now, few brands such as Pure Sense make use of natural ingredients in their skincare products to protect and nourish our skin.
3. What is the 3 finger sunscreen rule?
As a general rule, 2 to 3 finger lengths of sunscreen is approximately the right amount of sunscreen for your skin, given that your finger size is proportional to the surface area of your face. This rule gives you a general idea of using the correct amount of sunscreen for your face.
