Skin care tips: why sunscreen is a must before heading into winter? Expert reveals

According to experts, applying sunscreen in winter is just as important as in other seasons. This is why!

Applying sunscreen is more than just a cosmetic step in our skin care routine. It is an essential element for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin and protecting it from the harmful effects of the sun. When skin is exposed to sunlight without protection, there is an increased risk of developing premature wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of aging.

Sunscreen acts as a shield against these harmful UV rays that can penetrate deep into the skin and wreak havoc on its structural components. Using sunscreen regularly also reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. The sun emits several types of ultraviolet (UV) rays, including UVA and UVB rays, which are known to cause damage to cellular DNA and increase the risk of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 50 can greatly reduce this risk. During the winter months, many people tend to put away their sunscreen and forget about it until summer arrives. However, using sunscreen is just as important in winter as in other seasons. Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermatologist, The Esthetic Clinics offers valuable insights into the crucial role of sunscreen in maintaining skin health during winters.

This is why sunscreen is a winter necessity

• Sunscreen not only protects against sunburn and tanning, but also helps prevent long-term damage such as premature aging and skin cancer.
• According to studies, the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds and still reach your skin. That’s why using sunscreen is crucial, even on cloudy days or when snow reflects sunlight.
  In addition, exposure to cold temperatures combined with wind can lead to dehydration and chapped skin.
• Applying a moisturizing sunscreen can help combat this problem by providing both protection from the sun’s harmful rays and moisturizing properties for your skin.
• Not using sunscreen in winter maximizes the risk of skin cancer. The sun’s UV rays are harmful at this time of year because the ozone layer is at its thinnest.

Try to apply sunscreen at least twice to ensure complete protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Don’t skip this crucial step in your skin care routine!