Why Do We Need to Wear Sunscreen Even in Winter or If We Practice Sports?

You might think that sunscreen is only necessary when you’re sunbathing on the beach or hiking in the summer, but that’s not true. Sunscreen is important for your skin health all year round, even in winter or if you practice sports.

 

Here are some reasons why you should always apply sunscreen before going outside, no matter the season or the activity.

 

– The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin in any weather. Even on cloudy or snowy days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can reach your skin and cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. The sun’s rays are also more intense at higher altitudes, so if you’re skiing or snowboarding, you need extra protection.

 

– Sunscreen can prevent skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US, and one of the main risk factors is exposure to UV radiation from the sun. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and one person dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every hour. Sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by up to 50%, if used correctly and regularly.

 

– Sunscreen can keep your skin looking young and healthy. Sun exposure is the leading cause of wrinkles, sagging, dark spots, and other signs of aging. Sunscreen can help prevent these effects by blocking the UV rays that break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin firm and elastic. Sunscreen can also prevent hyperpigmentation, which is when your skin produces excess melanin and forms dark patches or spots.

 

– Sunscreen can protect your skin from other environmental factors. If you practice sports outdoors, you’re not only exposed to the sun, but also to wind, dust, pollution, and sweat. These factors can dry out your skin, irritate it, and clog your pores. Sunscreen can act as a barrier against these elements and keep your skin hydrated and smooth.

 

 

How to choose and use sunscreen correctly?

 

Not all sunscreens are created equal. To get the most benefits from your sunscreen, you should look for the following features:

 

– Broad-spectrum: This means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which are the two types of UV radiation that can harm your skin. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer.

 

– SPF: This stands for sun protection factor, and it indicates how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection you get. However, no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, so you still need to limit your sun exposure and seek shade when possible. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays.

 

– Water-resistant: This means that the sunscreen can resist being washed off by water or sweat for a certain amount of time, usually 40 or 80 minutes. However, this doesn’t mean that the sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof, so you still need to reapply it after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

 

– Suitable for your skin type: Depending on your skin type, you might prefer a different texture or formula for your sunscreen. For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might want to use a gel or spray sunscreen that is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) and oil-free. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you might want to use a cream or lotion sunscreen that is moisturizing and hypoallergenic.

 

 

To use sunscreen correctly, you should follow these tips:

 

– Apply it generously and evenly at least 15 minutes before going outside. You need about an ounce (a shot glass) of sunscreen to cover your whole body.

– Reapply it every two hours or more often if you’re swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

– Don’t forget to apply it to often-missed areas such as your ears, lips, neck, hands, and feet.

– Use other sun protection measures such as wearing a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, and pants.

– Avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.

 

 

Sunscreen is not only a summer essential but a year-round necessity for your skin health. By choosing and using sunscreen correctly, you can protect your skin from sun damage, prevent skin cancer, and keep your skin looking young and healthy. So don’t forget to slather on some sunscreen before you head out for some winter fun or some sports action!