Did you know that the weak winter sun can still prematurely age the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer?
Cooler weather and less sunshine don’t mean you should neglect your skincare routine.
You still need to stay safe by being sun-aware during the winter months, plus see my top tips below for achieving beautiful winter skin.
Wise up to winter sun
Did you know – winter sun can still age the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Just to get technical for a second, it’s the UVA rays that can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots on hands. While UVB rays are responsible for burning your skin. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.
Remember:
UVA = Ageing
UVB = Burning
Stay sun safe
You might think that as you’re indoors more in winter and the skies are grey UV rays are not a problem. But while UVB rays are largely blocked by glass, UVA rays are not. And UVA rays don’t become weaker in the winter and are not blocked by wintry conditions such as cloud or fog.
So when sitting working by a window, in the car, walking the dog, jogging or nipping out to the shops at lunchtime, don’t forget that sunscreen.
I use at least SPF 30 every day of the year as the last step in my morning routine. I like Jane Iredale Powder-Me-Dry sunscreen as it is light, easy to apply and the colour nude is perfect for my fair skin. I can travel easily with it as it is in a refillable brush and can sweep it on over makeup for a quick protection top-up.
If you’re planning a skiing holiday this winter, remember that damaging sunrays get through more easily at higher elevations where the atmosphere is thinner. Fresh snow reflects the rays (increasing their strength by up to 85%) and this can be dangerous even when there is no sun about.
Apply it right
Although some skincare and makeup products contain sunscreen, I recommend against these as your sole form of protection. We don’t apply these products in a thick or even enough layer to give the level of protection needed.
Include a high-factor sunscreen (at least SPF 30) and don’t neglect areas that are often forgotten such as the tops of your ears, hands and neck. These are often the first areas to show those tell-tale signs of premature ageing.
Always apply sunscreen about half an hour before going out as this gives it a chance to start working. And don’t forget to reapply it at regular intervals to ensure you stay protected all day. Even in winter.
When in doubt, check it out…
Skin cancer doesn’t just appear in summer so make it an all-year habit to keep an eye on your skin (head to toe).
If you notice anything unusual, for example, anything new or a mark or mole that is changing shape or colour, or is bleeding or crusty, always get it checked out by your doctor to ensure it’s not a sign of skin cancer.
Give your skin a wonderful wintertime…
Gentle cleansing, moisturizing and hydrating are key to keeping a warm winter glow and ensuring your skin is spring-ready when the warmer weather returns.
Select cleansers that are milk based and look for extra hydration and protection in you moisturizer with ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and nourishing oils such as Moroccan Argan Oil, Maracuja Oil and Lupin Seed Oil. Invest in a portable humidifier and run it overnight to help skin delicate skin hydrated.
Skin can look duller in winter and will benefit from a professional facial every 4-6 weeks – why not browse our treatments here http://thefollicle.com/facials/ or ask your aesthetician to recommend the right one for your skin.
Lips and hands can become dry and chapped during the colder weather and will need some extra TLC. Keep our Lip Repair Balm in your handbag to keep you moisturized on the go, or treat your hands to our super pampering Spa Manicure with paraffin treatment.
Book a winter skincare consultation today
Don’t ignore your skin this winter – why not book a complimentary consultation. Call 905-681-0277 to book.
