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DO I NEED SUNSCREEN IN THE WINTER?

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Posted December 27, 2013 in Blog

No matter what part of the country you live in, how cold it gets, or how cloudy the skies appear, the sun rises every day. And with it comes those ultraviolet rays that can lead to all kinds of skin problems, from photoaging to cancer. Some wonder if they should wear sunscreen during winter months of the year.

You may be in the habit of regularly applying sunscreen when you head outdoors to the pool or before a summer walk, but that practice needs to extend throughout the year, even on the cold days of winter. Winter sunscreen use is especially vital for men and women who engage in sports and spend considerable time outdoors. But it’s also important when you go shopping, wait for a bus, work in the yard, or walk around the block. Every day your skin is exposed to the damaging UV rays of the sun is a day that puts you closer to skin damage of some sort.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 15 SPF or higher that provides both UVA and UVB protection every day—not just in the summer! Use SPF 30 if you plan on spending an extended time outdoors or tend to work up a sweat while exercising. Don’t miss spots that often are overlooked such as your ears, around your lips, and under your eyes.

Protecting skin from the sun helps to prevent premature wrinkles, brown age spots, and tough leathery skin. Routines like applying sunscreen, wearing a hat, and donning UV-protection sunglasses even when it’s cold and cloudy help prevent sun damage. Use full-spectrum sunscreen during winter as liberally as you do in the summer and choose professional-grade products whenever possible.

Besides top-notch sunscreens, we also carry a full selection of medical-grade products that restore your skin’s health from the inside out, helping to repair damage from the sun. Prescription-strength formulations of ingredients such as retinol, antioxidants, soluble collagen, and vitamins can address existing signs of sun damage. Revision Skin Care, Obagi Nu-Derm, SkinMedica, and Innovative Skincare are lines of professional-grade products that renew, restore, and revitalize your skin so you look your best through all the seasons. Come in for a consultation so we can tell you about these nourishing, rejuvenating products. And remember to wear your sunscreen—all year long!

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470-354-3600

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