Winter is arriving, but that doesn’t mean you can get lax in your protection against sun damage. You really do need to wear sunscreen year-round, not just when you’ll be at the beach. The sun’s rays can be damaging at any time of the year; and if you do not prepare and take precautions, you could be increasing your risk of skin cancer. Here are some things you can do to stop sun damage before it starts.
Covering up
It’s easy to cover up in the winter. But while there’s no better block from the sun than clothing, you’re still going to have your face and neck exposed. Cover up some of your face to limit your risk of cancer in that common area by adding some big dark sunglasses to block the sun’s bright rays and a floppy hat to shade your face.
Sunblock
Wear sunblock all the time! Sunscreen keeps harmful UVB and UVA rays from damaging your skin. UVB rays decrease after summer, but they can still cause damage to your skin in other seasons. UVA rays are consistent year-round. Even in the winter, you should be using at least SPF 15 on any exposed skin before leaving the house. If you can get a moisturizer that includes sun protection, it will solve this problem while also protecting yourself from dry skin.
Limit time outdoors during peak sun hours
This time of year the warmest part of the day is between about 11 am and 3 pm. Unfortunately, it’s the warmest part of the day because it is the hours of peak sunshine. If you are going to get a sunburn or sun damage, it is going to be during these hours. The threat is even worse if there is snow on the ground. While you do want to take advantage of the warmth to get a bit of fresh air, you should still be mindful about limiting your time in the sun.
If you need help choosing the right skincare and sunscreen products for your skin type, contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
