During the colder weather many people stop using their daily SPF. I am here to explain why SPF is just as important in the colder weather as it is in the summer and heat.
During the colder months, the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA rays do not go away. Some people may think “Well I am not in the sun as much like I am in the summertime by the pool or walking my dog at the park”. Even though this may be true to some people, the sun’s harmful rays can still penetrate through windows. If you are driving to work or to the store the sun is still affecting your skin. If you are sitting by a window enjoying a hot cup of coffee while watching the leaves change colors or even the snow falling, the sun’s rays can still reach your skin. Windows do not protect you from UVB and UVA rays.
Here is a quick reminder on what UVB and UVA rays are and the difference between the two. This is an easy way to remember the difference: UVB means “Burns”. UVA means “Aging”. UVB rays are the reason people experience sun burns while UVA rays are the rays that make your skin age quickly. Most SPF that you buy at your local stores only protect you from sunburn (UVB rays), they do not protect your skin from aging (UVA rays). That is why it is important to buy medical grade SPF because it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
When it’s cold and cloudy outside you should continue to wear your medical grade SPF. Just because you can’t see the sun because it’s blocked by clouds does not mean you are protected. The sun’s rays cut through the clouds and will still penetrate your skin and cause damage. During the winter when there is snow on the ground, the sun’s rays bounce off the snow as a reflection. Clouds do not protect you from UVB and UVA rays.
Many of us sit in front of a computer screen but did you know that your computer screen can also damage and affect your skin? Wearing your daily SPF will help protect your skin from the damage your computer screen can cause.
Here at skinBe Med Spa we carry two different types of SPF that will help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. We offer the Obagi Sun Shield that is SPF 50+ and it has a matte finish and is fragrance free. We also carry our skinBe Daily Replenishing SPF 30+. This SPF also acts as a makeup primer or lightweight foundation.
If you drive, walk to your mailbox, are near a window, or sit in front of a computer you should be reapplying your daily SPF every 2 hours to make sure you protect your skin. So just because summer is over, does not mean that you should sit aside your SPF. Your SPF should be worn daily all year round to help protect your skin from aging prematurely.