Sun protection is the most important part of your skincare routine, every day, no matter the season. Nonetheless, one common myth persists: you don’t need winter sunscreen. Is it really a good idea to put away your SPF protection in the cold winter months?
In the UK alone, there are an average of 16,744 people diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and 152,000 people diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer every year. Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer, as it is it can be more aggressive than the latter and spread easily to other parts of the body.
Despite these shocking statistics, a major debacle still stands - not enough people are using sunscreen. That, and many still believe that it's something you only need during the summer.
Sunscreen Is for All Seasons
Summer is the time of year where we are blessed with long days of warm weather and enjoy day trips to the beach. It's natural for us to slather on the sunscreen and keep ourselves protected from the searing heat. After all, summer means more exposure to the sun and its burning UVB rays.
However, SPF protection should be a year-round staple in your routine. UVA rays are causing damage 365 days per year, potentially leading to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. Plus, UVB rays can be reflected off ice and snow, making them 80% stronger and 80% more likely to do some major damage to your skin.
Know Your Sunscreen
If you're one of those who include sunscreen in their daily skincare, then you're likely very aware of the different types of sunscreens that are out there.
Generally speaking, there are two types of sunscreen - mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens are also known as a physical sunscreen. Mineral formulations contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on top of the skin and reflect harmful rays.
Chemical sunscreens offer protection by absorbing the harmful UV rays and transforming them to heat before they can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. They work through skin absorption and are more lightweight than their counterpart.
One of our hero mineral sunscreens is the Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield. This lightweight SPF is available in four finishes (Glow, Bronze, Classic and Matte) to suit your needs and provides Factor 50 protection. Take a look at the full range of our all mineral, broad-spectrum protection sunscreens here.
Doubling Down
You can never be too cautious when it comes to sun protection. The best approach to ensure your skin gets maximum protection is to layer your SPF products, choosing a foundation and lip products that also have the added benefit of sun protection.
Our Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balms offer a way to enhance your lips and cheeks with colour whilst staying protected thanks to the added benefit of SPF 50. Available in three shades, they are the perfect addition to complete any winter makeup look.
Your Skin Matters
Skin cancer doesn't discriminate - though some skin types are more at risk. If your skin is gets sunburnt easily, or you have a large number of moles or a family history of skin cancer, then practice more caution. Find a sunscreen that's tried and tested, and make sure to apply it often.
Know how often and when you should put another layer of sunscreen on. Understanding your product's SPF label can serve as a hint for this. Don’t forget to reapply after swimming or sweating.
Rubbing your face even by accident can remove a significant amount of sunscreen. This leaves you more vulnerable to damage from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. For good measure, it's for the best to keep reapplying every two hours or so.
Read the Labels
Always check the ingredients list of SPF products carefully. An SPF product is 100% mineral, its only active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are the only two ingredients that are recognized as safe and effective by the FDA.
However, not all minerals are created equal. Many products on the market contain talcs, artificial fragrances and drying alcohols that can upset sensitive skin. All Colorescienceproducts are created with the highest grade of custom refined minerals and are 100% free from chemical filters, dyes, artificial fragrances, and alcohols.
Don't Forget to Wear Sunscreen
Our skin does so much for us - it protects our body from disease and harmful environmental forces. It's in our best interest to take care of it and protect it. The simplest way you can do this is by making you apply your SPF protection regularly.
At Colorescience, we know all about sun protection and healthy skin. Whether you’re looking for a hypoallergenic SPF, a foundation that offers flawless coverage without upsetting your skin or a targeted skincare treatment, we've got you covered. Check out our award-winning range of treatments, enhancers and SPF protectors.
