Don’t Stop Using Sunscreen in the Winter

By Susan Kehlenbrink -

Many people think when winter approaches that they should be able to stop using their sunscreen. This would be a skincare mistake

What most people don’t realize is that you can get UVA rays through windows of cars, homes and work places. The UVA rays are the aging rays. You won’t be able to see the immediate damage done to your skin….. it shows up later as brown spots and wrinkles.

The level of UltraViolet light today is higher than it was 50 or 100 years ago due to a reduction of ozone in the earth‘s atmosphere. UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds is considered the primary cause of premature aging of the skin, with loss of elasticity, wrinkles, irregular pigmentation and capillary distention. Skin damage is caused by frequent and/or prolonged, unprotected exposure to sunlight. The damage may be either short term or chronic.

Acute damage includes painful sunburn with subsequent suntan. Chronic skin damage promotes pre-cancer and cancer, as well as cosmetically unattractive skin changes. Overexposure to sunlight is also considered the main cause of skin cancer.

More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, making it the most common cancer in the United States.

When looking for a good sun-screen look for one that completely blocks all UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens with Zinc Oxide in them have the most complete block known. It is the only sunscreen ingredient recognized by the FDA as a Category 1 Skin Protectant.

Wear an SPF 15 or more daily, whether you think you’ll have much exposure to the sun or not.

Susan Kehlenbrink is a Licensed Skin Care Specialist inside Texture Hair & Nails (979-6112).