Winter Skin Essentials: Sunscreen
As temperatures drop and the Ben Lomond snow machines are starting up, many of us start thinking about rugging up, hot cocoa, cozy fires and winter festivals. But one thing that often slips our minds during the winter months is skin care — particularly the importance of sunscreen. Yes, you read that right. Sunscreen isn’t just a summer essential; it’s a year-round necessity.
I created some controversy recently with an article in The Examiner Newspaper about the importance of sunscreen in winter. But understanding the importance of year-round sun protection is something I’m passionate about, especially in the face of the alarming melanoma statistics in Tasmania. Recent data suggests that the incidence of melanoma in Tasmania is approximately 55 cases per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of about 48 cases per 100,000 people. This highlights the critical need for consistent sun protection practices, even during the winter months.
Examiner Article dated 4/7/2024 highlighting the importance of winter skin protection caused some controversy!
“But you won’t get burnt in Winter”
Firstly, just because you aren’t burnt, doesn’t mean damage isn’t caused. Photo damage or the damage caused to our skin due to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is CUMULATIVE. This means each time you don’t protect your skin it adds to the previous damage done!
Secondly, UV radiation can be just as harmful in the winter as they are in the summer. This is because UV, particularly UVA, can penetrate clouds and therefore can affect your skin. This teamed with snow sports where the snow reflects 80% of the UV back up at you really doubles your exposure! Another thing to be aware of when doing snow sports is that the higher the altitude, the stronger the UV so your skin does need more protection there too!”
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing sunscreen when you are outside for prolonged periods (no matter the UV index) or if the UV is over 3. I don’t check the UV daily, do you? I’d rather keep my face safe from photodamage.
Thirdly, although a much lower risk - Artificial lighting can add to all this damage! Fluorescent lights (especially older ones) can emit small amounts of UV radiation. Not only this but Blue light emitted from LED lights and digital screens can contribute to photo damage particularly with prolonged exposure. Don’t forget all this damage is cumulative over time!
“Every single light is out to damage your skin - Protect it!”
“What about Vitamin D?”
While sunscreen can reduce the skin’s production of vitamin D by blocking UVB rays, it does not completely inhibit it. HOWEVER, You can sit outside ALL DAY and still not have enough vitamin D during a Tasmanian Winter. And as I mentioned before in instances of PROLONGED sun exposure - sunscreen is recommended. So again, sunscreen in winter is a must. Additionally, vitamin D can be obtained through diet and supplements if necessary.
“Chat to your GP if you think your vitamin D levels are low”
“Sunscreen is full of chemicals anyway, why would i put that on my face”
I’ll start by saying - everything is a chemical and chemicals aren’t inherently bad.
Australia has some of the most strict rules for sunscreen to be TGA approved. All ingredients undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy.
Physical sunscreens (Zinc oxide and Titanium Dioxide) work to blocks and scatters UV radiation preventing it from reaching your skin. This option is great for those who might have sensitivities to creams or would like to top up over make up, often mineral make up contains these compounds. They create immediate protection against BOTH UVA and UVB radiation.
Chemical sunscreens work to react with UV radiation and convert it into heat. These sunscreens take 20 minutes to have an effect but can be worn under makeup and are less visible on the skin. The downside is that some ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate have been found to harm the reef and marine life - so watch out for these if at the beach!
And NONE of it will harm your skin more than the sun.
I’ll end with some winter sunscreen tips:
Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. An SPF of at least 30 is recommended.
Apply Generously: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, ears, and the back of your hands. Don't forget to cover any other exposed areas, like your scalp if you have thinning hair (if it is come and see me, I have solutions for this too).
Reapply Regularly: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if you are outdoors, and immediately after sweating or exposure to water, even if the sunscreen is labeled as water-resistant. I’m loving Naked Sundays Spray on top up sunscreen and Universkin Solar Powder for topping up over makeup
Don't Rely Solely on SPF Makeup: While makeup and moisturizers with SPF can provide some protection, they are often not applied in sufficient quantity to offer full protection or aren’t broad spectrum. Use a separate sunscreen under your makeup. Airyday, La Roche Posay and Skinceuticals all have sunscreens that are amazing primers.
Protect Your Lips: Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sun damage and chapping. Airyday Lip Me SPF 50 lip balm is my go to!
Consider Reflective Surfaces: Remember that snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, increasing your exposure. Take extra care to protect your skin when skiing, snowboarding, or engaging in other outdoor winter activities.
UV Index Awareness: Check the daily UV index in your area. Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV rays can penetrate and cause skin damage. And if you are outdoors for prolonged periods (or staring at screens a lot) just put the sunscreen on!
Daily Use: Make sunscreen application a part of your daily skincare routine, regardless of the weather or your plans to go outside. UV rays can penetrate windows, so even if you're indoors near a window, or in a car, your skin is still at risk.
Someone commented asking if I had an interest in the sunscreens. OF COURSE I DO! I have an interest in Total Skin Health and helping you maintain your optimal skin barrier for your life! That means having sunscreen to suit every one of you!
I literally have EIGHT different sunscreens in stock right now.
If I don’t have one you love, no one will
AiryDay Sunscreen Swatches - Get in touch about some Winter deals!
I haven’t even mentioned all the other insults on your skin in winter, the combination of cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and more sensitive than usual. Chapped lips and itchy patches become all too common.
Yours in Total Skin Health - Your doctor and Skincare activist,
