Sunscreen in the Winter

When the sun starts disappearing and the weather shifts to the brittle cold and dry air, it’s easy to push your sunscreen in that little drawer until a more appropriate season materializes. The truthWinter Skin Care is, every season is appropriate for sunscreen.  Your skin needs protection all year round despite the infrequency of sunlight and we’re sharing just why.

From an atmospheric perspective, the earth is closest to the sun during the winter. As such exposure to the sun’s rays is more severe than during the winter. The sun’s rays are equally damaging in winter as it is in summer in that the UV radiation reaches deeply into the skin. Additionally, the sun reflects on snow and ice. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the snow and ice can reflect up to 80 percent of UV rays, potentially causing wrinkles and more alarmingly, skin cancer.

To protect against winter exposure experts recommend a physical sunscreen protection. Physical sunscreen contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and offers a much larger coverage than the chemical generic sunscreen. It is immediately effective and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Zinc oxide is the most praised ingredient in physical sunscreen because it protects against all UVA and UVB rays.  The product may ne a little bit messy but the coverage lasts long and the applications are less frequent.

To further protect yourself from the sun during the winter, consume foods that defend against UVA and UVB rays. Fruits and green vegetables that are high in antioxidants help fight damage from the sun.  On the other foods that cause inflammation can have an adverse effect on sun damage.

The next time you’re heading out for your ski trip, grabbing groceries, or simply walking the dog, think about your skin and protect it. Make sunscreen and sun protection a part of all the products and foods you consume to contribute to your skin’s health.

Protecting Your Skin During the Winter

It is no secret that the climate, temperature, and atmosphere have an impact on your skin. While summer is your opportunity to bare it all – with sunscreen, of course – winter is the season of coveringWinter Skin Care Edmonton up. At Rao Dermatology, we want you to cover up with a purpose; allow your skin to get its best care while in hibernation. As such, we’ve combined a list of protective techniques to ensure that when spring rolls back around, your skin’s glow will be noticeable and healthy.

  1. Speak with your dermatologist

One of the first, and perhaps most impactful, things you can do for your skin as the dryness of winter embarks, is to book an appointment with your dermatologist. Why? Far too often you ‘treat’ your skin without an understanding of the exact care it needs. Your dermatologist can assess your skin type and inform you on the correct products & regimens that will prove beneficial. For example, if you have oily skin and you apply products that are for individuals with dry skin, you will be disappointed with the outcome of your winter application.

  1. Hydrate

Water consumption typically decreases during winter because of the temperature drop in our weather. The sun is not necessarily beating down on you to trigger your thirst. Try to be intentional about consuming your eight glasses of water daily. Your skin’s hydration is equally important during the winter. Hot drinks may warm your bones, but water will sooth your skin and overall health.

  1. Test the air quality in your home

You’re ready to turn up the heat in your home and crank the fireplace to keep warm. What about fresh air? If you need to maintain moisture in the air, invest in a humidifier. Place the unit in a central location or purchase small units and distribute them evenly around your home to prevent your skin from drying out.

  1. Moisturize

We cannot emphasize enough how crucial it is to moisturize. Don’t limit your moisturizing as a home activity. Carry lotion in your bag; keep one moisturizer at work and one in the car. Winter easily sucks the life out of your skin, so you’ll have to be responsible for putting putting life back into it. Exfoliate regularly and use natural oils such as coconut, shea butter, and avocado to keep your skin moist and refreshed.