Don’t let the cool weather, brisk winds and early sunsets fool you. You need sun protection all year round, and especially during the fall and winter. You need sun protection even when you least expect it: during your morning commute, walking the dog or during your jog around the block. The sun exposure we experience during those times results in wrinkles, sun spots and sagging skin over time.
Don’t Be Misled by Cooler Temperatures
The sun’s harmful rays are just as strong during the fall and winter months, particularly UVA rays which are responsible for aging skin. The UVA rays hit deeper into the skin and cause wrinkles, and even put you at risk for skin cancer.
Even when the sun feels softer in the fall and winter, UVA is still at full intensity. UVB rays may be less, but don’t think your skin is in any less danger because UVA rays can still be detrimental to your skin.
Harmful Effects of UVA Rays
• Winkles
• Sunspots
• “Leathery” skin
• Skin cancer
If you already have fine lines, wrinkles or dark spots caused by the sun, come see one of our dermatologists. We can set up a customized treatment just for you, to help you get a glowing complexion. Come see us today!
Love Winter Sports?
If you live somewhere where it snows a lot during the winter, it’s extra important you wear sun protection in the fall and winter. The reflection of radiation from snow can be more harmful than the summer sun. Research has found that “almost 80 percent of UV radiation is reflected from snow while only 25 percent is from sand.”
If you’re hitting the slopes this fall and winter you’re at increased risk for overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Not to mention, the combo of the UV rays reflected by the snow and being at higher altitude when you’re skiing or snowboarding puts you at an increased risk of damages caused by the sun.
Tips for Wearing Sun Protection This Fall & Winter
Beware of sweat. Most of us think that just by simply applying sunscreen before we go out in the sun is enough. Even if your outdoors bundled up this winter, your skin still sweats and sun protection needs to be reapplied throughout the day.
Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Any sun protection less than SPF 30 is doing the bare minimum for your skin. Try a natural and moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 30, and apply at least 20 minutes before leaving home.
Your diet can enhance your sun protection. Believe it or not, fruits and veggies are rich in antioxidants can help us fight sun damage and free radicals. Leafy greens, squash, blueberries, and tomatoes are among foods that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Cover often-missed spots. Be sure to apply sun protection to areas of the body that we usually forget; the lips, around the eyes, ears, on the neck, under your chin and hands. Apply sunscreen evenly and liberally to areas of exposed skin.
If you’re interested in seeing a dermatologist at the Santa Monica Laser & Skin Care Center to create a fall skin care routine just for you, call our office today to schedule an appointment or a free consultation!
Call us at (310) 829-9396 or BOOK ONLINE.
