Skincare Facts for Winter

Winter Skincare isn’t just a warm weather necessity. More than 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, with much of the contributing skin damage occurring during cold weather when we’re less likely to notice.

To enjoy winter sunshine safely, wear skin covering clothing, eat food high in antioxidants, seek shade during peak sun hours, and cover exposed areas with a good zinc oxide sunscreen.

If you read our first article on skincare facts, you already know skin can be damaged throughout the year, not just when it’s hot out. Here are five more facts about winter sun, along with tips on how to help your skin thrive during colder weather.

6. UV Light Increases Signs of Aging

According to the EPA as much as 90% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure. UV rays, even from winter sun, damage skin collagen resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. However, many studies show regular use of sunscreen has anti-aging effects.

Additionally, many safe sunscreens contain antioxidants to help keeping skin looking younger. Antioxidants are essential, and the more applied the better. Antioxidants not only help combat the elements responsible for the visible signs of aging, but also can calm skin, help reveal a more youthful appearance, and revitalize dull-looking skin.

7. Holiday Sweets don’t just cause Weight Gain

Sugar causes inflammation, and studies show the body creates compounds called AGEs as it processes sugar, which damage proteins in skin while weakening defenses against sun damage.

8. Windburn is Real

We’ve been trained to reapply sunscreen after swimming in the ocean or toweling off at the pool, but strong winter winds can wear away sunscreen, too. It’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours while out in the winter sun and wind.

9. Lips are Extra Sensitive

Your lips are sensitive areas, we recommend always wearing lip balm with sunscreen to help hydrate and protect lips from drying, cracking and getting UV exposure.

10. Clouds Don’t Block UV rays

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 80% of the sun’s rays penetrate clouds and fog. Clouds block some infrared rays, so you don’t feel hot, but you’re still getting hit by UV rays which absolutely damage skin. Sometimes, it’s just easier to wear a long sleeve UV shirt.

In Closing

The sun never stops, and neither should your defense against long term sun damage. When outside during the winter, drink lots of water, eat antioxidant rich foods, and cover exposed areas with clothing hats or a good zinc oxide sunscreen. Your skin will thank you all year long, for many years to come.

Know Your Sunscreen. Trust Your Sunscreen.

Next time you grab for your sunscreen, flip it over and actually read the ingredients, including the “inactive” ones. Do you know what all of them are and what they’re doing? We’re dedicated to using only the healthiest, safest, most effective ingredients in our sunscreens, and we want everyone to know what those good ingredients are, regardless of whether they use our products or not. Their skin is worth it.

If you know someone who might still be buying sunscreen with shady ingredients, please share the above info with them. It could have a serious impact on their life – in the sun, and out. Thanks for spreading the word to the ones you care about, and here’s to thriving in the sun.

NEXT STEPS

1. Know your ingredients — Flip over your sunscreen and read the ingredients. We want everyone to know what good ingredients are, regardless of whether they use our products or not. Your health is worth it.

2. Buy safe sunscreen — Waxhead is dedicated to using only the healthiest, safest, most effective ingredients in our sunscreens. Shop Safe Sunscreen here.

3. Teach a friend — If you know someone who might still be buying sunscreen with questionable ingredients, please share this post with him/her.