Sun protection in winter: everything you need to know

We've always associated sunscreen with summer, the beach, and the pool. But dermatologists and pharmacists have been convincing us that the best anti-wrinkle treatment is sun protection . But do we really need to use high SPF sunscreen every day? Even if we're staying in the office and it's cloudy? If you're also asking yourself these questions about sun protection in winter, we recommend you keep reading.

From the perspective of fighting melanoma, some consider sun protection in winter unnecessary; however, from a personal care perspective, sunscreen helps us fight photoaging (spots and wrinkles) both in summer and winter.

What should sun protection be like in autumn and winter?

In autumn and winter, we are not as exposed to the sun's rays, as much of our body is covered, so sun protection needs to be different and follow different guidelines. To begin with, the areas that need protection are those that are exposed, that is, the face, neck, and hands.

Regarding the sun protection factor (SPF) we should use in autumn and winter, ideally, we should use SPF 30. If, for example, we go to the mountains or the snow, we should use SPF 50 since the radiation is higher. If we have dark spots, we should use SPF 50 regardless of whether we are in the office or it is a cloudy day. On cloudy days, ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light radiation also affect the skin . Furthermore, on these days, the ultraviolet radiation that reaches our skin is 80% of what it is on a sunny day, according to some dermatologists.

Recent data indicates that the pigment cells in our skin are stimulated not only by the sun's ultraviolet radiation, but also by lower doses of ambient and infrared light , such as that emitted by computers or lamps. We now know that even office light or the light from your mobile phone screen can be harmful.

WHICH SUNSCREEN SHOULD I CHOOSE?

It is becoming increasingly common to find moisturizers that include sunscreens with SPF 15 to 30. These usually only protect against ultraviolet B radiation, but not against UVA, IR, etc. In short, they do not offer broad-spectrum protection .
Our recommendation is to use a tinted sunscreen, as it is an easy and effective way to combine two steps in one: sun protection and makeup.

In short, the ideal is to use a light, refreshing sunscreen after your skincare routine , one that leaves your skin feeling comfortable. If you choose this option, apply the sunscreen after your moisturizer and before your makeup.

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