Yes, You Actually Do Still Need to Wear Sunscreen in the Winter
Bet you’d be would be surprised to know what’s the world’s most effective anti-aging cream: It’s called sunscreen, and at Defy Nature we swear by it. Sunscreen thwarts UV rays, which unequivocally cause premature skin aging. Better yet: you can snag a medical grade tube of sunscreen at Defy Nature for less than the cost of an airport salad!
Sunscreen is the single most effective product for keeping your skin looking pristine. Sun damage causes a whopping 90 — yes, nine-zero — percent of skin aging. Yet, only 15 percent of American women use sunscreen 365 days a year and only 4 percent of men. An “occasional” sunscreen user is someone who only applies sunscreen when they perceive a risk for getting a sunburn, usually in the summer months.
Why don’t we wear sunscreen 365 days a year? At Defy Nature we commonly hear. “Unless I’m worried about actually getting sunburn on the beach or on vacation somewhere hot, I don’t prioritize sunscreen in my daily routine”.
But here’s the truth: If you care about protecting your skin from untimely aging and getting wrinkles, you absolutely must wear sunscreen in the winter, too. Just because you’re not burning does not mean that you’re safe from damage. If you can see your hand in front of your face, then there is enough UV light to cause [skin] damage. This means that any day of the year during daylight hours — summer, winter, or otherwise — presents opportunities for skin aging UV damage. Replenix sells a great one called UltiMatte Perfecton SPF50+ with micronized zinc oxide and acts as a bb cream for oil free protection all day.
Other seemingly gentle activities — unloading the groceries, walking the dog — also expose you to UVA damage. This damage is cumulative; even the smallest doses of unprotected UVA exposure add up, eventually manifesting as lines, wrinkles, and sun spots. Much of the sun damage is from the culmination of these types of incidental sun exposure. Winter, in all its UVA-filled glory, is primetime for accruing these exposures.
So, to all of the “occasional” sunscreen users: let’s make sunscreen application as common usage as brushing your teeth. Your skin will reward you with prolonged elasticity and youthful smoothness.