Sunscreen in the winter? Yes, gentlemen!

Sunscreen in the winter? Yes, gentlemen!

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We tend to think that sunscreen is only essential in the summertime. But our skin needs a layer of protection in the winter too since UV rays are still present despite the grey skies.

Every year it's the same story. Once the suitcase has been emptied of its bathing suits and vacation clothes, you put your sunscreen in a drawer until the next summer. And that’s only if we hadn't already abandoned it at our vacation spot...

Sunscreen, not just at the beach!

It is mistakenly thought that the skin no longer needs to be protected from the sun once the holidays are over. Except that gray clouds, fog, and even the windows of your apartment or office allow between 80 and 95% of UVA rays to pass through. The latter, when exposed without protection, can cause free radicals to be present in the epidermis, causing premature ageing of the skin. This opens the door to wrinkles, fine lines, and brown spots.

The right choice of sunscreen

We should never forget that the vitamin D present in UV rays during the winter is good for the skin. It’s important to apply SPF during this time since your skin is less used to exposure during the winter months. We recommend adapting your sun protection needs to your lifestyle and phototype. If you have fair skin, live in a region that’s spoiled by sunshine, and work outdoors, protect your skin daily with an index 30 that you apply before your day cream.

For urban dwellers, opt for an SPF 15 that’s infused in your day cream which will be more than enough. It will block about 92% of UVB rays and prevent wintertime sunburns.

If a stay in the mountains is planned, or if you live there, this will not cut it. The reverberation of the sun on the snow intensifies the effect of the rays. Opt for a high SPF sunscreen (highly recommended protection 50) to avoid sunburn, even if your skin is already tanned.

As for the products themselves, a moisturiser that contains an SPF will do just fine. Its double action will block the sun’s rays while fighting against the typical problems of winter, in particular the intense dryness due to the cold. You can also apply an antioxidant serum that’s rich in vitamin C before your face cream which will block even more free radicals.

Important: throw away your sunscreen that’s been in the sun for too long. It could have been in contact with sand or water. Also make sure its texture and its smell aren’t different from its first use.

Keep in mind that sunscreen shouldn’t be used from one year to the next at the risk of being ineffective and causing allergies.

Mattifying Face Moisturiser SPF30