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do you need sunscreen in winter

DO YOU NEED SUNSCREEN IN WINTER?

To address dry skin and increased sensitive skin as a result of dry climates, winter skincare routines tend to focus on hydrating and comforting formulas. However, the application of face sunscreens during winter tends to be excluded from many routines

Without the daily application of sunscreen year-round, skin isn't protected from UV radiation. Oily, dry and sensitive skin types are all impacted by the sun – no matter how intermittent the exposure is. In fact, some winter conditions actually increase UVA and UVB radiation in winter - underpinning the need for sunscreen in snow conditions and other reflective environments.

Explore our comprehensive guide to using sunscreen in winter Australia. How UV radiation affects skin in winter, when to use sunscreen in your routine and how to find a sunscreen formula for winter depending on skin type are ahead.

should you wear sunscreen in winter

SHOULD YOU WEAR SUNSCREEN IN WINTER?

Shorter days and less time spent outside may indicate why so many of us stop using sunscreen during winter. Additionally, sunburns are more present in summer – so do you need to wear sunscreen in winter? The answer is yes!

sun protection is required every day for skin to maintain long-term health, radiance and shine. Sunscreen is necessary even in winter in Australia, as UVA and UVB radiation remains one of the highest levels in the world.

UVA rays (also known as 'long wave rays') make up 95 percent of the Earth's surface rays and can contribute toward signs of ageing like fine lines and age spots. UVB rays (known as 'short wave' rays) cause sunburn on skin. Both UVA and UVB radiation is present year-round, so not only should you wear sunscreen in winter, but it should always be a broad spectrum. 

BENEFITS OF WEARING SUNSCREEN IN WINTER

Sunscreen is the best anti-ageing product in your skincare routine, and benefits the look and feel of each skin type in an array of ways. The benefits of wearing sunscreen during winter apply to all skin types, and include:

  • Reduced skin cell damage
  • Increased hydration
  • Year-round protection against signs of ageing – including fine lines, wrinkles, age spots & sagging
  • Protection against skin cancer 

SELECTING SUNSCREEN FOR WINTER BASED ON SKIN TYPE

As with cleansers, serums and moisturisers, it's important to select a sunscreen for winter that corresponds with your skin type. To help your skin maintain bounce, radiance and protection even during the cold seasons, implement one of the below sunscreens as the last skincare step of your winter routine.

dry skin sunscreen during winter

DRY SKIN SUNSCREEN

For those with dry skin, opt for nourishing formulas across all your skincare products including sunscreen. Anthelios Ultra Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 50ml. To support optimal moisture levels throughout dry, brittle weather, includes glycerin to moisturize and comfort dry skin. Antioxidant baicalin is also included, to address free radicals on the surface of skin. To even out skin tone with a sheer tint Anthelios Ultra BB Cream SPF 50+ 50ml for dry, sensitive cream contains universal micro-pigments which melt into skin.


ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, toweling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Oily skin sunscreen during winter

OILY SKIN SUNSCREEN DURING WINTER

When choosing a sunscreen for oily skin, opt for non-comedogenic formulas – this means they won't clog pores. Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 50ml is a non-greasy, mattifying sunscreen which provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays.   

Sensitive skin sunscreen during winter

SENSITIVE SKIN SUNSCREEN DURING WINTER

The benefits of wearing sunscreen in winter for sensitive skin types can include reduced redness in skin caused by UV radiation. Opt for a lightweight formula such as Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 50ml which is formulated for sensitive skin and provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays. For the added benefit of an even complexion, Anthelios Tinted Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ includes a lightweight tint. 

Body sunscreen during winter

BODY SUNSCREEN DURING WINTER

Though our bodies are usually covered up more so during winter, you should still be mindful of when to use sunscreen for exposed areas. Places like hands and neck tend to be exposed throughout the year – and when inside near a window, sunscreen application should often reflect summertime usage. Anthelios Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+ is lightweight, invisible and suitable for all skin types including sensitive.


WHEN TO USE SUNSCREEN?

Even though sunlight is reduced in winter through cloud-cover and shorter days, the best application for sunscreen remains the same as in summer. UVA radiation is able to penetrate windows, so regardless of increased time spent indoors, skin can still be exposed. Apply sunscreen in the morning as the final step in your skincare routine (and 20 minutes before exposure to sun). For optimal protection, reapply every 2 hours.

Discover how to effectively cleanse sensitive skin next.




ADD SUN PROTECTION TO YOUR WINTER SKINCARE ROUTINE


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