Despite common belief, the sun can still cause damage to your skin during the cloudy, cold winter months, even if you don’t run the risk of getting a tan. Year-long protection against sun rays is one of the best ways to prevent premature aging and loss of collagen in your skin.
About 90% of the aging signs that appear on the skin are caused by sun exposure. Below, we asked Dr. Pompeyo Chavez, our expert at Soulage Wellness & Aesthetic Center, to outline five reasons you should make an effort to protect your skin from the sun during winter.
Generally, the UV index is lower during the winter, which makes it nearly impossible to get a sunburn unless you’re constantly surrounded by snow. Snow is highly reflective, exposing you to double the dosage of UV rays, so it could potentially give you a sunburn. Therefore, if you plan to spend a lot of time outside in the winter, a high-SPF cream is a must.
Acne is annoying itself, but what’s even more annoying are the little spots most zits leave behind. The pigmentation left by acne is caused by an increase in melanin, and exposure to sun rays increases melanin production.
Melasma is pigmentation that can appear on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip as a consequence of fluctuating hormones, aging, or medications. The pigment in the cells that causes melasma is stimulated by UV rays.
Melasma can be bleached with creams or removed with chemical peels or laser treatments, but it often comes back, especially with sun exposure.
UV rays can penetrate clouds and fog, so for individuals who are at risk for skin cancer, wearing sunscreen during the winter is just as important as wearing sunscreen during the summer.
As you age, collagen production drops, making it harder for your skin to stay youthful and plump. Wearing sunscreen all year long can make it easier for your skin to maintain its glow even if it has less collagen because it’s exposed to fewer external stressors.
Sunscreen is even more important if you use retinol as part of your anti-aging routine. This ingredient, while helping to prevent fine lines, makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
If you have skin concerns you’d like to address, or if you simply want to maintain a healthy-looking complexion for as long as possible, contact us to schedule an appointment. Dr. Chavez will examine your skin and put together a personalized skin care regimen comprised of medical-grade products backed up by clinical research.
