Its no secret SPF is essential during the summer months. But did you know it's equally important during the wintertime? Oh, what’s that? You work inside all day so you don't need sunscreen? Not so fast…it’s important for you too!
UV rays are just as harmful during the winter as they are in the summertime—even if you spend your days working indoors, hidden from the sunshine. UVA rays penetrate window glass, which means you are exposed during your commute and if your office is filled with natural light. UV rays are especially harmful in snowy conditions since rays are strengthened due to the reflective nature of snow. The same goes for cloudy days. So lather up ladies!
All of these forms of exposure contribute to something called “photoaging.” Photoaging is a process of aging caused by UVA and UVB exposure. Major symptoms of photoaging include spider veins on the face or neck, loss of color and fullness in lips and wrinkle formations on the face, neck, ears, hands or chest. No thank you! (Note: You may want to think twice about those hands on the sunny steering wheel too because hands and necks show the symptoms of photoaging the most.) Since even the slightest bits of exposure add up quickly, it’s important to protect any uncovered skin with a broad spectrum UVA and UVB lotion with a minimum SPF of 15.
I use SPF 40 every morning (I use Josie Maran Protect Daily SPF 40+). I apply it to my face, neck and hands. If you’re looking for a quality SPF, I suggest buying something with one or more of the following ingredients:
What’s your favorite SPF?
XO Lauren
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I always wear sunscreen, though I forget about wearing it on my hands and other places :( I wrote a beauty post about Hazardous Makeup and Suncreen in the sigma coupon section on my beauty blog once. It's really scary - all the rays and even chemicals out there we are exposed to! :/
I like Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer! www.trendynails.jamberrynails.com
SPF is so important!~ Do you know the difference between SPF and PA? Read what I learned about it.
I'm always panicking about sun damage. I use nothing less the SPF 50 everyday come rain or shine. I'm so glad you've posted about it's damage. Something interesting : an old lady I know has always driven with gloves on and today her hands look not a day older than mine.
Love from South Africa
the only sunscreen i would ever use would be if it was passed by european standards. skin cancer rocketed during the 50's when sunscreen was introduced-- it doubled the chances of getting cancer! so if you are going to put anything on your skin, really read up on the ingredients. better to know and be knowledgable than to just think it's expensive so it must be good for you.
Hi Lauren,
I really look after my skin and always cleanse tone moisturise morning and night, but cannot seem to find a really good SPF oil/cream to wear on top of my moisturiser. The Josie Maran you mention looks perfect but as Im from the UK, I cannot buy it ! Do you know of any great UK equivalents? Or does anybody else know!?
Thanks
I use Keihl's since 1851 Super fluid SPF 50. Its oil free and doesnt make me breakout or clog pores it also sits really well under my makeup. Many people do not understand how useful SPF can be. I always recommend it to all of my friends.
I use Aveeno Positively Calming SPF 15 in the winter/spring and then the same product but with SPF 30 once it gets hotter outside. I have a dark complexion so I don't need too much SPF but I still want to protect myself from photoaging and UVA rays. Sometimes I will also use MaryKay TimeWise Day Solution SPF 25 (It dries very quickly and is so light) when I'm in a rush.
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