It is not uncommon to let thoughts of sun protection take a back seat in the winter months, but with skin cancer taking the lead in cancer diagnosis in Canada, and with melanoma on the rise, diligent sun protection has never been more important. In this article, we share with Oakville and Southern Ontario patients precisely why wearing SPF in the winter months is just as important as in the warmer seasons.
1.Cloudy days are not a reason to let your guard down.
Up to 80 per cent of damaging UV rays penetrate through cloud and smoke—so don’t base your sun protection on the weather forecast. Make it a habit, no matter the cloud cover.
2. Your skin’s natural protection is reduced in the winter months.
With the sun’s intensity reduced, melanin—the pigment that naturally protects your skin from the sun—is in pseudo-hibernation mode in the winter months, thus making your skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
3. Consistent sunscreen use is proven to prevent aging.
Research has shown that regular, long-term sunscreen use reduces the signs of aging over time.
4. Dry winter lips are more vulnerable to sun damage.
Due to its thin nature, the skin of the lips is highly prone to sun damage. Throw in dryness and dehydration and the damage increases. Integrating a lip treatment with SPF can help keep the skin of the lips youthful and healthy.
5. Light reflecting off of snow and glass is your enemy.
The intensity of the sun is amplified in the winter as our skin is exposed twice: once from above and twice or even three times as it reflects off the snow underfoot and glass buildings surround us.
So, as you can see, committing to wearing sunscreen 365 days a year simply makes sense. At Oakville Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we realize that in order to adhere to this habit, it is crucial to love the look and feel of your sunscreen. That is why we carry a range of professional medical-grade formulas (like TiZo). Let us help you find a sunscreen to match your skin type and texture preference. Visit us to discover your favourite today; call 905.901.9545 or email [email protected] to arrange your complimentary consultation with our medical aesthetician.
