Don’t Skimp on Sunscreen in the Winter

Jan 23

As the season changes, you may be revising your skincare routine. Maybe you’re using a thicker moisturizer in response to the cooler weather and dry indoor heat. You may be interested in adding an anti-aging serum to your regimen. Regardless of these considerations, don’t discard your sunscreen. Sunscreen has year-round benefits and belongs in your morning skincare routine every day, no matter the time of year.

If you have ever asked your dermatologist about skin cancer prevention, anti-aging measures, or advice about skincare, you were likely recommended a daily sunscreen. What is the best sunscreen? The one you are willing to use every single day.

What SPF Is Best?

When selecting a sunscreen, look for SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 or higher. Contrary to prior thinking, higher SPF does confer increased protection.

SPF refers to the protection you get from specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light referred to as UVB. UVB is responsible for sun damage and skin cancer. UVA rays are responsible for skin aging and also skin cancer. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Proper Application Matters

Most people do not use enough sunscreen and will skip the every-two-hour reapplication process. For this reason, a higher SPF may prove beneficial. Use one-half teaspoon to cover your face and neck, the areas that are exposed year-round.

Typical daily application of cosmetics or moisturizers containing SPF will not provide the same amount of protection as the proper application of sunscreen.

Why Winter Use?

Remember, ultraviolet light is present year-round, not just in the summer months. Sunscreen should be worn for outdoor activities, but also for days when you will be getting incidental sun exposure—in other words, every day.

Incidental Exposure: Don’t ignore activities such as driving and sitting near a window, as well as visible light that is hitting us from screens and lightbulbs all day long. Incidental exposure accounts for a significant portion of rays impacting our skin.
Snow Days: You may be aware of the impact of intensified exposure from sun reflecting off of snow. Sunscreen becomes an essential part of skin care while snow shoveling and enjoying outdoor winter sports.
Hazy Days Count Too: Hazy and overcast days are a challenge as well. Many of the sunburn surprises that dermatologists witness are those sustained on a cooler cloudy day. Ultraviolet light can penetrate cloud cover.

Choosing Sunscreen

Sunscreen selection can be a daunting task. Not all sunscreens are created equal. If you have ever been to a pharmacy, you know how overwhelming the skincare product aisle can be.

When selecting sunscreen, consider these factors:

Adequate SPF
Broad spectrum coverage
Active ingredients
Consistency

Our dermatologists and staff members can help you choose the right product for your skin type, whether it be fair or dark, sensitive, dry, oily, aging, or a combination.

Some of our top picks include EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (comes in tinted and sheer formula), EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+, and our very own SSDP Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 50. Talk to us about what’s best for you.