Sunscreen and the importance of using an SPF in the Winter

SPF – The importance of sunscreen in the winter.

The use of sunscreen is just as important in the winter months as it is in the summer. The only difference between these two seasons is in the summer, you will probably need to apply more being that you sweat more in the heat; therefore; it might not last as long as it will in the winter.

In the summer, the sun’s rays are reflected off the sand at the beach 17x stronger than if they were to fall directly on your skin.

Snow is highly reflective; the sun’s rays are reflected off the snow 80x stronger then if they were just to fall on your skin directly.

If the sun’s rays are hitting your skin 80x more powerful in the winter, can you imagine all the damage that causes to your skin? Wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots and other forms of pigmentation are all signs of aging and skin damage that the sun causes; however; these can be prevented by using a daily SPF of 15 or higher.

Look for an SPF with both UVA and UVB protection; these are usually labelled “broad spectrum” protection.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

UVA are the rays that cause aging. Studies show that 90% of wrinkles are caused by the sun’s UVA rays. Even worse, UVA‘s are responsible for malignant melanomas because they reach the underlying tissue in our skin.

UVB’s are the rays that cause our skin to burn. UVB’s only reach the epidermis (the outer most layer of the skin) and do not penetrate far into the skin. UVB rays to not penetrate through glass.

Guinot, Intaglio, and Skyndor are some Professional Spa Skincare lines that carry a wide range of sunscreens.

Jane Iredale Mineral makeup has caught on to the importance of using an SPF everyday and has incorporated a natural non-chemical SPF into their makeup bases and loose powders. Plastic Surgeons and Spas now use this line to protect their clients’ skin after having skin treatments to protect their skin from environmental factors, including the sun.

For a complimentary skin care consultation with a Professional Le Petit Spa Esthetician to find out which skin care products are right for you and to discuss your skin concerns, click here.

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Have a beauty question? Email me with your questions and look for your answer in an upcoming blog!